SOUTH BEND ― Chase Konieczny admits he was too young to remember when Florida Gulf Coast took over the 2013 NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 as a No. 15 seed behind its “Dunk City” mantra.
He’s well aware of the history now, as the South Bend Saint Joseph senior announced his commitment to the school Tuesday, May 6.
“Florida Gulf Coast, it’s a really cool spot,” Konieczny said. “I went on an official visit there and met all the coaches in person. I just really enjoyed talking to them and what they had to say.”
Konieczny’s commitment means that, for the first time ever, Chase and his older brother, J.R., will be on the same team together. The brothers have a four-year age gap, meaning they never played on the same high school or AAU team. With J.R. having taken a redshirt year during his sophomore season at Notre Dame, though, it gave him one last year of eligibility.
J.R. entered the transfer portal in early March, committing to FGCU April 30.
“That was a big deal maker for me,” said Chase of getting to play with his brother. “I’ve always dreamed of playing with my brother at some point in my basketball career. The opportunity came, and I just felt it was the right decision. … We really like everything they have going on. We feel it’s the right fit.”
Chase Konieczny had one of the more decorated high school basketball careers in South Bend history. His 2,138 points is tied for 44th most of any boys player in Indiana history. He received multiple recognitions from various organizations and was a two-time Tribune Player of the Year selection.
Chase capped his career in style, leading the Huskies to an IHSAA Class 3A state championship. His dunk with one minute left in the state finals against Crispus Attucks on March 29 broke a 50-50 tie, propelling his team to victory.
“I think it has (set in),” Chase said. “… I’m just so happy I got the opportunity to play with the guys I did and to accomplish what we did.”
Chase Konieczny was patient with his college recruiting process. The constant coaching changes and transfer portal of college athletics led to him waiting until early May to make his decision.
“It was a pretty deep recruitment process for me,” Chase said. “I just felt like I had to find the right spot. I kept praying to God to help find the right path for me, and this opportunity came about. As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt something different.”
Florida Gulf Coast, based in Fort Myers, plays in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Along with making the NCAA Tournament in 2013, they also reached “The Big Dance” in 2016 and 2017. They went 19-15 (13-5 ASUN) last season.
Chase credits his parents and both of his older siblings, J.R. and Nicole, for helping him reach this point in his career.
“They set the foundation for what the Konieczny family can achieve,” Chase said. “I’m following in their footsteps. They gave me advice and shaped me into who I am today.”
Follow Austin Hough on X (formerly Twitter) @AustinRHough and on Facebook at “Austin Hough – South Bend Tribune.” Hough can be emailed at ahough@gannett.com.
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