On November 13th, 1979, Artest was born in Queens, new york. He is the eldest in the family, and after him, there are five younger brothers and sisters. Artest's grandfather is a retired old navy, and later engaged in boxing. Artest's father also played boxing. Queens is the most beautiful place in new york. Artest's family lives in Queensbridge Community, one of the oldest communities in new york, where gangs often haunt and drug addicts flood.
A family of 1 people is crowded in this two-bedroom room: Artest's six brothers and sisters plus their parents, and two cousins. Old Artest began to have domestic violence, which eventually led to the breakdown of his marriage. Old Artest moved out of the house, but not far from his original residence. Artest has been suffering from mania since then. At the age of 8, he went to see a psychiatrist for the first time. The doctor prescribed that he should play basketball. From then on, there were only two things left in Artest's world, which are also the two most famous activities at Queensbridge: rap music and basketball. Artest is very talented in these two aspects, and he is never polite to challengers. This is especially true on the basketball court. Whether attacking or defending, Artest never gives in. Even if he argues about the rules, he is always the final winner. He is the bully on the court. Artest rarely doesn't conflict with his opponent, and rarely doesn't threaten those who defend him.
The breakup of parents is a tragedy for the family, but it is a catalyst for Artest's skills. Nobody cares about him anymore. He can stay up late and go home. The 13-year-old Artest never tires of finding someone to hone his skills. No matter what kind of game, it will be all over the court, three against three, two against two or one-on-one. As long as there is a game, Artest will play. He wants to occupy his brain with basketball and get rid of all the unpleasant feelings brought by his family. After Artest joined the riverside church team, he participated in AAU (Amateur League). The level of the game has improved, and Artest's anger has also increased. As soon as he goes on stage, he looks like a lighted explosive bag, which may explode at any time. No matter his teammates or opponents, it may become the object of his venting.
The most famous thing happened in Phoenix. He and elton brand were teammates, but during the warm-up before the game, there was an altercation because of a layup, and finally the two sides fought, which made the onlookers stunned. One of the people who witnessed the incident was Fran Fraschilli, the coach of St. Johnson University, who decided to bring Artest into his team. Arguing or fighting is just a trivial matter. Artest even saw a player killed on the court. It was in a YMCA basketball game in 1991 that 19-year-old Lloyd Newton clashed with the other side and was killed alive. In 1997, Artest entered St. John's University, which is only 7 stops away from home. The basketball team of St. Johnson University is called "Red Storm". Before Artest arrived, there were many famous players, including Zeden Hamilton and Philip Lopez, both of whom later entered the NBA. However, the team has no fighting capacity because it lacks a spiritual leader. Artest came into being, and his arrival immediately gave the team a new look. He became the leader of the team almost as soon as he joined the team, and those players who are older than him have to listen to him. Artest is the best player on the court, and he is equally strict with himself.
Artest's bravery not only scares his opponents, but even his teammates sometimes have to retreat, because Artest's lethality does not distinguish between friends and enemies. Coach Flashley took advantage of the situation and gave full play to Artest's role. In his freshman year, Artest averaged 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, making him the best rookie in Dadong Division. "Red Storm" scored 22 wins and 1 losses, and entered the NCAA championship for the first time since 1993.
The coach with the same bad temper, Flashley, was buried in the snow that spring and was taught by the milder Mike Jarvis. Jarvis made an appointment with Artest for a routine appointment. I didn't expect Artest to ignore him and asked Jarvis directly if he believed the team could reach the semi-finals. When Jarvis was dumbfounded, Artest left.
In the p>1998-99 season, Artest averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. With the excellent performance of erick barkley and others, St. John entered the crazy March. Artest was selected into the first lineup of "Dongda Division" and also became a nominee for the Wooden Award.
In the spring of p>1999, Artest held a press conference in Queensbridge community, claiming to leave college and join the professional arena. In the long speech, he thanked almost everyone he knew, and most of them were audience.
The draft was held as scheduled. Artest dreamed of going to the Knicks, but they didn't pick him in the 15th overall pick. Artest was finally picked by the bulls in the 16th overall pick.