Cal State LA Athletics

2024-25: Made bigger contributions for the men’s basketball program in his second and final year with the program. Was on Cal State LA’s track and field roster, but did not compete in any meets for the Golden Eagles in his final year with the program. Appeared in 18 games with two starts for the men’s basketball team and played a total of 100 minutes. Averaged 0.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. Made his first career start for Cal State LA and had one rebound in four minutes at Biola (11-9-24). Had a season-high four points and hit both his field-goal attempts in a season-high 12 minutes at Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-21-24). Also had a season-high three rebounds in that game. Also had three rebounds to go along with three points in an 87-67 win at Cal State San Marcos (1-11-25). Earned a D2 Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award, 2024-25 California Collegiate Athletic Association All-Academic honors and 2024-25 CCAA Winter Academic Honor Roll recognition. For his career, appeared in 26 games with two starts and played a total of 120 minutes. Averaged 0.7 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. For his track and field career, had a best mark of 5-10.75 in the high jump.

2023-24: Competed for Cal State LA’s men’s basketball and men’s track and field teams. Earned playing time in his first year with the men’s basketball program. Appeared in eight games and played a total of 20 minutes. Averaged 0.3 points and 0.4 rebounds per game. Made his Cal State LA debut and scored two points in five minutes of an 88-65 win over Concordia (11-11-23). Had one rebound and one assist in five minutes of a 77-73 win Northwest Nazarene (11-18-23). Also competed for Cal State LA’s track and field team in the spring in the high jump. Earned a 2023-24 D2 Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award and 2023-24 CCAA All-Academic honors. Also received 2023-24 CCAA Winter Honor Roll recognition.

At San Diego Christian College: Earned All-Academic honors. Competed in 11 games in 2022-23.

At Algoma University: Earned All-Academic honors at the Ontario, Canada college.

At Hebel Gymnasium Schwetzingen: Helped his team win a conference championship. Had the best grade point average in biology and physical education in the class of 2020.

Personal: Son of Oleg and Lilia Kniss. Majoring in Kinesiology. Enjoys basketball, surfing and spending time with family. Lists winning a championship in high school and college as his most exciting experiences in sports.