Tom Konchalski, a beloved Scout, retires
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
A legend in the hoop universe has decided to retire.
Tom Konchalski, 73 years old, notified hundred of college coaches via his basketball newsletter the High School Basketball Insider Report on Tuesday. Many may have received the newsletter in the mail because it was how he sent out his reports.
There are few people synonymous with the game of basketball and scouting like Konchalski. Any time there was a big basketball game going on in New York City, he was in the stands.
Konchalski never sat courtside. Many times took a seat at the top of the bleachers against the wall. Or he would stand off to the side when watching a tournament at the park or a travel ball event.
His yellow notepad with some meticulous notes on every player on the court. Konchalski recorded all the stats of the game. In the mist of the chaos or action in the gym, he remained calm and enjoyed the game.
Konchalski looked like a person soaking in the game like a composer in search of the right note. The motto for HSBI was “Others where they’ve been. We tell you where they’re going.”
He did not want to be disturbed once the game started. Small talk would take place during timeouts or at halftime. After the game, he was headed to the head coach of either team to speak about a player he may have liked throughout the game.
Konchalski’s ability to evaluate a player’s strengths and weaknesses were impressive. He also had the respect of every basketball fan and coach in NYC. While also being highly praised by some of the most notable basketball coaches, players or scouts across the country.
Konchalski’s photogenic memory was beyond remarkable. There was not a detail he did not remember of a player he saw.
The first time I met Konchalski it was in high school.
He caught my eye because in a small crowded gym in Jamaica, Queens stood this man who looked more like an accountant and not some basketball genius.
Konchalski was talking to my high school coach after the game, who introduced me to this lanky white guy. Then in our handshake, he proceeded to say he liked my game. At the time, I did not realize the magnitude of those words. I didn’t know who he was at the time.
He left a lasting impression on me as a junior in 1990. It didn’t dawn on me until the next day in school I asked my coach, “Who was that guy last night?” He said, “That is Mr. Tom Konchalski who is a well-respected man in basketball.”
The only reason my coaches remarked dawned no me was because I read his name in Street & Smith’s basketball magazine along in books titled “Raw Recruits” and “Sole Influence.”
Fast forward to some 15 years later, Konchalksi and I are at the same basketball event. I noticed him coming into the gym. Both of us were checking out the scorebook to make sure jersey numbers and names are correct. I took a moment to introduce myself, again, once we were done.
Before I could finish saying my name, Konchalski remembered what high school I attended, which game and how many points I had in the game. I was blown away by his memory.
His firm but gentle handshakes were his calling card.
The game will miss Konchalski for his is knowledge of the game and attention to detail. More importantly, he will be missed for being a humble and great human being.
In today’s, new times, those handshakes will be missed along with your advice.
Thank you from the entire basketball universe for being a light in this game we all love.
Mr. Konchalski, enjoy retirement because you have earned it.
Here are some tweets to show the impact Konchalski had on the game and people.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.