Erik Wickstrom
September 12, 2022
Chuck Kornegay
- Nationality: USA/ESP
- Date of Birth: 28/09/74
- Place of Birth: Dudley, North Carolina (USA)
- Position: CTR
- Height (CM): 206
- Weight (KG): 107
- Junior Assoc:
- College: North Carolina State (1992–1993) / Villanova (1994–1997)
- NBL DEBUT: 30/01/98
- AGE AT DEBUT: 23
- LAST NBL GAME: 21/06/98
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 23
- NBL History: Brisbane 1998
- Championships: 0
- None
NICKNAME/S: “Chuck-wagon”, “Chuck Diesel” and “Korn-dawg”
BIO: As a basketball standout at Southern Wayne High School in Dudley, North Carolina, Kornegay was heavily recruited by American universities. He signed with nearby school, North Carolina State University.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Chuck Kornegay made his NBL debut with the Brisbane Bullets at 23 years of age. He scored 17 points in his first game.
After four consecutive first-round playoff exits, Brisbane released head coach David Ingham and brought Brian Kerle back to the club after he had previously coached the Bullets to championships in 1985 and 1987. Mike McKay (to Canberra), Dwayne McClain, Mark Dalton (to Wollongong), Robert Sibley, Leonard White, Toby Zaremba and Bruce Hamilton departed, while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Rodger Smith, Ben Thompson, John Szigeti and Aaron Honeyman returned. Kerle rebuilt the frontcourt with import Chuck Kornegay (via Raleigh) and Mark Nash, while CJ Bruton (via Indian Hills CC), Ryan Stolberg and Ben Castle were also added. Kornegay had been selected by the Yakima Sun Kings with the 28th pick of the 1997 CBA draft but instead spent the 1997/98 season with the Raleigh Cougars before joining Brisbane.
The high cost of playing home games at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, combined with falling attendances, resulted in the Bullets moving into the smaller 4,000-seat Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from the beginning of the season.
Brisbane opened the season at its new home against defending champion Melbourne on January 30, where Kornegay (17 points) made his NBL debut as the Bullets won 105-97. Woodberry (32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Loggins (27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Brisbane.
Kornegay (16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 32 games) immediately became Brisbane’s main interior presence, giving Kerle one of the league’s strongest rebounders and rim protectors alongside a perimeter-heavy scoring group.
One of Brisbane’s most important regular-season victories came against South East Melbourne on February 28, when Kornegay (10 points) helped the Bullets defeat the Magic 81-76 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, handing the eventual minor premiers one of only four regular-season losses. Woodberry (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Brisbane, while Bruton (15 points and 2 steals) made four of five three-pointers.
Kornegay’s best game and highest-scoring performance of the season came against North Melbourne on May 16, where Kornegay (27 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks) made 10-of-16 shots and set NBL career highs in points and rebounds as Brisbane defeated the Giants 115-103. Woodberry (33 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals) and Loggins (25 points) provided support, while Andrew Goodwin (21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led North Melbourne.
Woodberry (26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 34 games) led Brisbane in scoring, led the NBL in free-throw percentage at 92.2 percent and earned All-NBL First Team honours. Loggins (17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 26 games) and Bruton (15.4 points, 4 assists, and 1.8 steals across 34 games) provided further perimeter scoring, while Nash (9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds across 34 games) and Thompson (6.3 points across 13 games) added frontcourt depth. Kornegay’s rebounding and interior defence earned him selection to the All-NBL Second Team.
Brisbane closed the regular season against Adelaide at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 7, where Kornegay (16 points) helped the Bullets win 101-89. Woodberry (24 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 block) recorded a triple-double and Loggins (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while John Rillie (19 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide. The win left Brisbane fourth with a 16-14 record, tied with Melbourne but holding home-court advantage after winning the season series between the teams 2-1.
The elimination finals opened in Brisbane, where Kornegay (15 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 blocks) played all 48 minutes as the Bullets defeated defending champion Melbourne 93-80. Woodberry (24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) and Nash (20 points and 7 rebounds) provided support, while Andrew Gaze (34 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) led the Tigers as Brisbane moved within one victory of advancing beyond the opening round.
Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Kornegay (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) made all nine of his field-goal attempts, while Loggins (27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Woodberry (21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Brisbane. Lanard Copeland (22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Melbourne’s best as the Bullets overwhelmed the Tigers 114-81, completing the sweep and advancing beyond the first round for the first time since 1993.
Brisbane returned home for game one of the semifinals against South East Melbourne, where Kornegay (19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) recorded another double-double and Woodberry (46 points and 12 rebounds) produced the highest-scoring game of his NBL career, with Bruton (17 points and 6 assists) also contributing. Tony Ronaldson (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Mike Kelly (25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led the Magic to a 106-98 victory.
Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Kornegay (15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Woodberry (28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Bruton (15 points and 4 assists) led Brisbane. Sam Mackinnon (30 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Ronaldson (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led South East Melbourne to a 90-84 victory, completing the semifinal sweep and ending Brisbane’s season one round short of the Grand Final.
Chuck Kornegay played one season in the NBL. He averaged 16.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 32 NBL games.
CAREER RANKINGS:
– 28th in rebounds per game.
– 32nd in blocks per game.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 23 | Brisbane | 16-14 (4) | 32 | 1,221 | 533 | 374 | 36 | 152 | 222 | 18 | 56 | 98 | 119 | 226 | 438 | 52% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 81 | 155 | 52% | 52% | 52% | 27 | Totals | 32 | 1221 | 533 | 374 | 36 | 152 | 222 | 18 | 56 | 98 | 119 | 226 | 438 | 51.6% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 81 | 155 | 52.3% | 53% | 52% | 27 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 23 | Brisbane | 16-14 (4) | 32 | 38.2 | 16.7 | 11.7 | 1.1 | 4.8 | 6.9 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 3.1 | 3.7 | 7.1 | 13.7 | 52% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 2.5 | 4.8 | 52% | 52% | 52% | 27 | Total | 32 | 38.2 | 16.7 | 11.7 | 1.1 | 4.8 | 6.9 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 3.1 | 3.7 | 7.1 | 13.7 | 51.6% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% | 52.3% | 53% | 52% | 27 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 27 | 20 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 0 |
|---|
FIBA EXPERIENCE
Was a member of the Spanish National team in 2001 with Pau Gasol.
NBA EXPERIENCE
After graduating university Kornegay was selected by the Yakima Sun Kings in the 3rd round with the 28th overall pick of the 1997 CBA draft. Instead of joining the CBA, Kornegay returned to his home state of North Carolina to star for the Raleigh Cougars in the 1997/98 season.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Spain - CDB Sevilla (1998–1999, 2000–2001), Baloncesto Fuenlabrada (1999–2000), Unicaja (2001–2004), Menorca Bàsquet (2005–2006), CB Lucentum Alicante (2006–2007), CB Alcúdia (2007–2008) | Russia - MBC Dynamo Moscow (2004–2005) | Turkey - Beşiktaş J.K. (2006) | Uruguay - Estadio Unión Atletica (2008–2009) | Argentina - Obras Sanitarias (2009–2010)
Chuck Kornegay joined CDB Sevilla for the 1998–1999 Liga ACB season, playing his first season in Spain.
Kornegay remained in Spain for the 1999–2000 season with Baloncesto Fuenlabrada before returning to CDB Sevilla for the 2000–2001 campaign, continuing his run in Spain’s top division prior to moving on to a EuroLeague role.
Kornegay joined Unicaja for the 2001–2002 season and stayed with the club through 2003–2004, appearing in the EuroLeague during that period and later being credited with leading the EuroLeague in blocked shots in 2002–2003.
While with Unicaja, Kornegay also represented Spain during the 2001 European Basketball Championship in Turkey as part of the national team’s third-place finish, sharing that EuroBasket roster with teammates Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, Felipe Reyes, Fran Vázquez, Alberto Herreros, Carlos Jiménez, Raül López, Jorge Garbajosa, Alfonso Reyes, Iván Rodríguez, Jose Manuel Calderón, and coach Javier Imbroda.
For the 2004–2005 season, Kornegay moved to Russia to play for MBC Dynamo Moscow, where he averaged 10.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in FIBA Europe Cup competition during that stint.
Kornegay returned to Spain with Menorca Bàsquet for the 2005–2006 season, then spent part of that same 2005–2006 period in Turkey with Beşiktaş J.K. in the Turkish Basketball League, appearing in nine league games and averaging 5.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
After his stint in Turkey, Kornegay moved back to Spain to play for CB Lucentum Alicante in 2006–2007, followed by CB Alcúdia in 2007–2008.
Kornegay closed his overseas career with Estadio Unión Atletica in Uruguay in 2008–2009, then played the 2009–2010 season in Argentina with Obras Sanitarias.
COLLEGE
Chuck Kornegay began his NCAA career at North Carolina State, where he suited up for the Wolfpack as a freshman in 1992-93 and was described at the time as the team’s fourth-leading scorer while averaging 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, with reports noting he was dismissed from the team in early January 1993.
He played at NCSU for the Wolfpack during the 1993/94 season, before transferring to Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After arriving at Villanova in January 1994, Kornegay practiced with the Wildcats during the latter part of the 1993-94 campaign and the early stages of 1994-95 under NCAA transfer rules, then became eligible and went on to appear in 26 games while making 21 starts in 1994-95.
In that 1994-95 season, Kornegay helped Villanova finish 25–8 overall (14–4 in Big East play) and win the Big East tournament championship, while his individual line was listed at 8.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
He played for there for three seasons and led the Wildcats to Big East conference championships in 1995 and 1997, and in 1995-96 he appeared in 32 games while averaging 6.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists as Villanova went 26–7 overall (14–4 Big East), won the Maui Invitational, and reached the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 as a 3 seed.
During his senior season in 1996-97, Kornegay started all 33 games and totaled 234 points (7.1 per game) on 92-for-192 shooting (47.9%) with 50-for-82 free throw shooting (61.0%), adding 202 total rebounds (6.1 per game, with 92 offensive and 110 defensive), 44 assists, 14 blocks, 22 steals, 61 turnovers, and 793 minutes played (24.0 per game) as Villanova finished 24–10 overall (12–6 Big East) and earned a share of the Big East regular-season title before reaching the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 again as a 3 seed.
During his career at Villanova, the team won 70 of 93 games and was rated as high as #2 nationally by the Associated Press, and he ended his collegiate career with averages of 7.3 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game.
AWARDS
- 1x All-NBL Second Team- Third-team Parade All-American (1992)
-
1997 Villanova University defensive player of the year
-
1997 USBL All-Rookie Team
-
2001 Won Bronze at European Basketball Championship
-
2002-2003 Led Euroleague in Blocked Shots
-
1999-2000 ACB league most exciting player
COACHING HISTORY
After finishing his professional playing career, Kornegay returned to the Philadelphia area and moved into coaching and player development. By 2012 he was an assistant coach with Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, working within the junior-college program and assisting with recruiting. His international contacts also became part of the role, with Kornegay recruiting Spanish players Dani Busto and Iván Cruz to Harcum.
Kornegay also returned regularly to Villanova to coach at the university’s summer basketball camps. In 2012, a high-school division team he coached at the camp won its championship.
In September 2015, Kornegay was appointed head boys basketball coach at Souderton Area High School in Pennsylvania. His first season began with a 62–48 victory over Lansdale Catholic on December 4, sending Souderton into the championship game of the Souderton Tipoff Classic. He made defence an early focus of the program after taking over the varsity team.
Alongside the Souderton varsity position, Kornegay continued working in individual development. In 2016 he directed Souderton’s summer basketball camp, trained players of different ages and ability levels at Competitive Edge in King of Prussia and continued working basketball camps around the United States.
Kornegay remained in charge of Souderton through the 2017/18 season before his tenure ended ahead of the following campaign, with Tim Brown taking over the varsity program for 2018/19.
In August 2019, Kornegay returned to his native North Carolina when he was appointed athletic director at Topsail High School in Hampstead. The position expanded his responsibilities beyond basketball into oversight of the school’s wider athletics program. He remained athletic director through the 2020/21 school year, including managing competition and scheduling issues during the COVID-19 period, before Christopher McGee succeeded him in August 2021.
Kornegay subsequently returned to basketball coaching and player development in North Carolina. By the mid-2020s he was working as a post-graduate basketball coach with Bull City Preparatory Academy in Wilmington and was also involved with the Jah Select basketball program.
Kornegay later became involved with Harcum College again. During the 2025/26 academic year he was part of Harcum’s athletics staff as an assistant coach, working with the college’s JV basketball program alongside other athletic-development responsibilities.
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