Rare Photos of Metta World Peace

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Nov 17, 2011

Rare Photos of Metta World Peace

Ron Artest

Today is World Peace Day and there's no better way to celebrate than with some photos of Metta World Peace. The man formally known as Ron Artest (which is how we'll refer to him for the rest of this gallery) was born and raised in the Queensbridge projects in Queens, N.Y. and played high school ball at La Salle Academy, a private school in Manhattan. Artest was a McDonald's All-America selection and New York City's Co-Player of the Year after leading his team to a 27-0 record.

Ron Artest

After St. John's coach Fran Fraschilla caught one of Artest's AAU games, he recuited the Queens native to play for the Red Storm. Artest had a strong freshman year, averaging 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and made the Big East's All-Rookie and All-Tournament teams. The Red Storm went 22-10 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1993.

St. John's Red Storm

After Artest's freshman year, St. John's fired Fraschilla and replaced him with Mike Jarvis. Artest played well for Jarvis, averaging just under 15 points per game to go along with six rebounds and four assists. In this photo, Tarik Turner (left), Zendon Hamilton (second from left) and Artest (holding his daughter) cheer after it was announced that the Red Storm were a No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Ron Artest

St. John's advanced to the Regional Finals for the first time in eight years and Artest was voted First-Team All-Big East and a finalist for the Wooden Award as the top college player. After the season, he announced his departure for the pros.

Ron Artest and Kimisha Hatfield

After announcing he'd go pro, Artest posed with his girlfriend, Kimisha Hatfield, outside the Jacob A. Riis center in Queens.

Ron Artest

Artest was suspended for the remainder of the 2004-05 season after the famous Pacers-Pistons brawl in Detroit. During his downtime, Artest appeared on NBC's "Today Show" to promote his rap album.

Larry Bird and Ron Artest

Artest poses with Pacers team president Larry Bird before the 2005-06 season. A few weeks later, Artest demanded a trade and was placed on the inactive roster before being shipped to Sacramento for Peja Stojakovic.

Ron Artest and Brandy

Artest with Brandy at a party in New York City to celebrate Swizz Beatz's birthday.

Ron Artest

In 2006, Artest released his first album, titled "My World" with some controversial lyrics about smoking up before games, hitting the liquor store at halftime and the NBA commissioner. "David Stern! Damn, David Stern. I gotta teach you bout the ghetto there's some things you should learn."

Ron Artest and fan

Artest puts a kid from the crowd on his shoulders as he watches the Lakers-Cavs game at Staples Center.

Ron Artest

Artest stands with his wife, Kimsha, and Henry Carter, Chairman and CEO of Wheelchair Charities, and several kids during a news conference for the All-Star Classic for Wheelchair Charities at Madison Square Garden.

Houston Rockets

Prior to the 2008-09 season, Artest was traded to Houston for Bobby Jackson. In this media day photo, Artest poses with (left to right) Shane Battier, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Luis Scola and Rafer Alston.