Dick Knostman

Dick Knostman was a 6-6 center who may not have had the biggest pro career, but was a legend at his alma mater of Kansas State University.

Knostman was drafted with the 16th pick in the 1953 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals, but only played five games, in which he averaged 2.6ppg, 3.4rpg and 1.2apg.

There was a reason for that though. Just five games into his career, Knostman 'got the call from Uncle Sam', and served two years at Andrews Air Force Base. When his time in duty was up, he considered returning to pro basketball, but opted against it.

Knostman's #33 jersey now hangs in the rafters at KSU, and it's not hard to see why, when you factor in he averaged a double-double (14.6ppg & 10.5rpg) over his three year tenure.

in 1951-52 Knostman was a third-team All-American, and in 1952-53 was a second-team All-American. As a senior, he was first-team All-American, where he averaged 23 ppg.

Even though he played over 50 years ago, Knostman still ranks in the top 5 of 17 season/game/career statistical categories at Kansas State University.

He is 13th on the KSU all-time scorers list, and one of 19 in school history to tally over 1,000 points.

Click here for more statistics on Knostman's career.