Metta World Peace Takes Next Career Step

PACIFIC PALISADES—Far removed from his days of charging into the stands and delivering vicious elbows, Metta World Peace has taken to a new pastime.

The NBA star formerly known as Ron Artest now coaches the Palisades Charter High School’s girl’s basketball team.

He has yet to earn the title of “coach.” Starting his work with the team in June, World Peace took a three-month hiatus from the team to play overseas in China.

Metta World Peace now coaches the Palisades Charter High School girl's basketball team.
Metta World Peace now coaches the Palisades Charter High School girl’s basketball team.

With that stint finished, World Peace now graces the sidelines of Palisades Charter High School, offering advice to the coaching staff when asked and directly addressing the players only after receiving approval from head coach Torino Johnson.

The team, which has won 15-consecutive games, wears uniforms designed by World Peace himself. In an interview with USA Today Sports, World Peace said, “If it was up to me, I’d have everybody’s jersey different. Each player would have their separate one. I think the game should be a joy, I think the game should be colorful.”

“I wanted to design them a little bit different. I wanted to be a little more risky. Hopefully next year I can.”

World Peace is also an informal assistant coach for the Palisades Charter High School boys basketball team. The mercurial former Laker reportedly hopes to continue his coaching career. At 35, he has not ruled-out an an NBA return.