RonArtest.com

Mike Chatfield- 



Mike Chatfield was one of the best competitors I have ever faced. He was one
year older than me -- Kobe's age.  The way he knew the game and played the
point position with such smarts at a young age was unbelievable.  His
package consisted of a mid-range jumpshot, floaters, three pointers, passes
and defense.  Everything I wanted to be, he was. 



Mike Chaffield and I had a one-on-one game that he suggested we play - of
course I would never ask Mike to play one-on-one as a 13 year old... he was
too good and too intimidating.  But I did accept the challenge, and I lost
32 to 0. Dammit. I was pissed but still feared Mike... Mike had a leadership
about him that was Jordan-type in my neighborhood but a respect... Mike
Chatfield, or "Chatty," took on all comers - on the court and off.  I never
met a person who was so fearless without a bullet-proof vest. Mike took on
any gangsta if need be.  At the young age of 14 and 15 Mike started to get
in trouble and eventually went to jail.  Me and Mike's younger brother
played ball with each other for St. Rita's Catholic basketball program,
LaSalle Academy High School, Brother Christian School and other leagues.  I
went on to St. John's University and Eric went to a JUCO and later played
for Fran Fraschilla at New Mexico his junior year. I played for coach Fran
my freshman year at St. John's, then Mike Jarvis my second year.  



Back to Chatty, when he went to teen jail I was playing basketball on 12th
street - the block where Mobb Deep and Noyd are from... WEED, SMOKE,
VIOLENCE, DYSFUNCTION sums up the environment.  There were many efforts to
change the mindset of the humans in our community, but without strong
families and/or father figures we still fight this uphill battle.  Mike
Chatfield returned home from prison and played at various high schools and
junior colleges.  I never quite got the fine line with the streets'
influence over success and goals... perhaps because my dad was in my life.
When my dad separated from my mom the streets took a small toll on me... my
cousins and big brothers all were doing fed time for drugs and violence.  I
used to go to practice or to a game and sometimes see Mike on the street
hustling, or every now and then shooting hoops for money...I wish I could
have introduced him to the mental health community that I know now.  No
question he was a pro. But it's not easy being a pro... I see it all the
time and the hard work with guys like Steve Blake and Troy Murphy and Kobe
and Mutumbo, Fisher, Joe Smith, Oakley - guys I played with.  



It also takes mental toughness to leave all distractions where they live and
apply yourself. In many ways you have to self teach yourself if you are in a
situation like me or Chatty to apply yourself, not on the court but
mentally.  Some of the greatest players are on the streets because they
can't apply themselves... Mike Chatfield, aka Chatty, later was found dead
during a drug transaction... my friend, my idol, was no longer here... a
great basketball player ........

COACHES: GREG POPOVICH, LIONEL HOLLINS

MVP: LEBRON JAMES, KOBE BRYANT

DPOY: ANDREW BYNUM, SERGE IBAKA

SHOT BLOCKERS: DEANDRE JORDAN, SERGE IBAKA

SHOT CHANGERS: DEANDRE JORDAN, ANDREW BYNUM

6th MAN: MANU GINOBLI, JAMES HARDEN

3 POINT SHOOTERS: MATT BONNER, STEVE NOVAK

DUNKERS: BLAKE GRIFFIN, DEANDRE JORDAN

PASSERS: JEREMY LIN, RICKY RUBIO

ONE ON ONE DEFENDERS: METTA WORLD PEACE, IMAN SHUMPERT

SPORTSMANSHIP: SHANE BATTIER, KEVIN DURANT

COMMENTATORS: REGGIE MILLER, JEFF VAN GUNDY

NBA CITIES: TORONTO, CANADA, NEW YORK CITY

LOUDEST FANS: OKLAHOMA CITY, NEW YORK CITY

TOUGHEST PLAYERS: KOBE BRYANT, METTA WORLD PEACE

The playoffs are very aggressive and passionate this year... The NY vs Miami match-up is out of reach to the everyday fan, but I think Game Three the Knicks can make a stand… The Lakers are not going to get comfortable because of one win.  The Nuggets are more than capable…OKC vs Mavs might be the most exciting series to watch…Dirk is very clutch and can easily change the series… The Indiana series is very quiet... no one is really paying attention… stay tuned in to those guys. Popovich is doing a good job adjusting to his team... at the same time still give maximum effort on defense. Andrew Bynum is the most dominate player in the playoffs... his offense and more than that - his defense - can lead him to the playoff MVP alongside Kobe and Pau. Those three players are very tough… stay updated on the Metta Blog for Metta's thoughts.

There is a fine line between these two subjects. However you can be both... The key is control the emotion and focus just on the main goal. This is true with anything in life... Some competitors grow up with the will to win. Just simply focused on the task at hand or the challenge. This can be insti...

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When two power houses collide... you get emotion, focus, discipline, determination, passion and more. When playing on a team, somehow you have to get everyone's mind frame on the same page. The referees' jobs are hard because they have to control the game and emotions. The refs have to be aware of t...

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