Craig Kneppe (2000) - Hall of Fame

Craig Kneppe

Induction:
2000
Class:
1966

In the game of basketball, scoring points is only part of the game. There is defense, rebounding and assists. Few players possess the ability to excel in all dimensions of the game like former Panther Craig Kneppe.

The Parkersburg, Iowa, native played three seasons for State College of Iowa starting all 70 games throughout his stellar career. Kneppe started his 1963-64 inaugural season by averaging just below 13 points and eight rebounds, taking part in a fourth-place NCAA College Division Tournament team. Entering the 1964-65 season, Kneppe came of age. In 23 games, he led the team in points with a 19.9 average and 10.4 rebounds per game, and was one of the leaders in assists. At one point during the season, he set the school record for field goals in a game with 16. His achievements made him an Associated Press Little All-American selection. His 20 points and 10 rebounds per game during conference play earned Kneppe North Central Conference honors and, at the time of his graduation, was one of only three Panthers to win the conference's Most Valuable Player award. Kneppe continued his dominance his senior season. He carried his 19.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game averages into the 1965-66 season en route to another all-American honor.

During his playing career, Kneppe amassed astonishing numbers. In three seasons of league play, he shot 50 percent and 48 percent for his career. Kneppe started every game from his sophomore season on. Under the guidance of legendary coach Norm Stewart, Kneppe witnessed his team compile a 52-18 record. At one point, he posted the second-highest per game average in school history at 17.1 points and finished his career with a total of 1,200 points.