In a surprising twist, Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Kansas State men's basketball head coaching position. Known for his 19-season tenure in the NBA, World Peace expressed his interest on social media, highlighting his excitement about his development as a coach.
World Peace's journey through the NBA saw him don jerseys for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. He was also famously involved in the "Malice at the Palace" incident during his time with the Pacers. Transitioning into coaching, he has served as a player development coach for the South Bay Lakers and held coaching roles with the Cal State Los Angeles women’s team.
Despite his enthusiasm, World Peace faces stiff competition from seasoned candidates. Among them are Jarred Calhoun of Utah State, Josh Schertz from St.
Louis, and Mississippi State's Chris Jans, though Jans might be a tough pull from the Bulldogs. Interim head coach Matthew Driscoll, despite downplaying interest, has also made a strong case with his recent performance.
As Kansas State seeks a new leader, the decision will undoubtedly shape the future of their program. Stay tuned as this intriguing coaching saga unfolds.