St. John's University Athletics
Metta Sandiford-Artest to be Honored as BIG EAST Legend at 2025 Men’s Basketball Tournament
3/5/2025 10:06:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Artest will be recognized for his accomplishments at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK– The BIG EAST Conference announced Metta Sandiford-Artest will represent St. John's as part of the conference's legend recognition program and will be honored at the 2025 Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden.
Artest will be recognized during the Red Storm's first .tournament contest on March 14 at 12 p.m. at the World's Most Famous Arena. The BIG EAST Legend Recognition Program was launched in 2024 by the league to honor men's and women's basketball alumni, who paved the way and established the rich history of BIG EAST basketball.
Formerly Ron Artest, a highly-touted high school prospect and McDonald's All-American out of the nearby Queensbridge neighborhood chose to stay in his borough and play for the Red Storm. The forward played two seasons for the Johnnies in 1997-99 tallying 907 points (13.1 PPG) in just two seasons.
The New York native made an instant impact during his freshman season and was unanimously selected to All-BIG EAST Rookie Team in 1997-98. The defensive specialist was a four-time conference freshman of the week, averaging 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds during his rookie season.
During his sophomore season in 1998-99, the forward averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 boards and 2.1 steals leading the Johnnies to a 28-9 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Artest was named an All-BIG EAST First Team selection and Haggerty Award Winner. 26 years later, he remains the last St. John's player to record a triple-double on Jan. 9, 1999 against Seton Hall.
After two years at St. John's, Artest declared for the NBA Draft and was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls with the 16thoverall pick. He enjoyed a decorated 18-year NBA career from 1999-2017. During his time in the pros, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004), an All-Star (2004) a four-time All-Defensive Team honoree (2003-04, 2006, 2009) and won an league championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010. During his time in the league, he record over 13,000 points and pulled down nearly 5,000 rebounds.
To learn more about the BIG EAST Legends being honored at this men's and women's basketball tournaments this month visit their website.
Artest will be recognized during the Red Storm's first .tournament contest on March 14 at 12 p.m. at the World's Most Famous Arena. The BIG EAST Legend Recognition Program was launched in 2024 by the league to honor men's and women's basketball alumni, who paved the way and established the rich history of BIG EAST basketball.
Formerly Ron Artest, a highly-touted high school prospect and McDonald's All-American out of the nearby Queensbridge neighborhood chose to stay in his borough and play for the Red Storm. The forward played two seasons for the Johnnies in 1997-99 tallying 907 points (13.1 PPG) in just two seasons.
The New York native made an instant impact during his freshman season and was unanimously selected to All-BIG EAST Rookie Team in 1997-98. The defensive specialist was a four-time conference freshman of the week, averaging 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds during his rookie season.
During his sophomore season in 1998-99, the forward averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 boards and 2.1 steals leading the Johnnies to a 28-9 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Artest was named an All-BIG EAST First Team selection and Haggerty Award Winner. 26 years later, he remains the last St. John's player to record a triple-double on Jan. 9, 1999 against Seton Hall.
After two years at St. John's, Artest declared for the NBA Draft and was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls with the 16thoverall pick. He enjoyed a decorated 18-year NBA career from 1999-2017. During his time in the pros, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004), an All-Star (2004) a four-time All-Defensive Team honoree (2003-04, 2006, 2009) and won an league championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010. During his time in the league, he record over 13,000 points and pulled down nearly 5,000 rebounds.
To learn more about the BIG EAST Legends being honored at this men's and women's basketball tournaments this month visit their website.
Open Practice Press Conference 8.5.2025
Tuesday, August 05
St. John's Basketball Adidas Launch Media Availability7.16.25
Wednesday, July 16
Coach Pitino Press Conference Yankee Stadium 6.4.2025
Wednesday, June 04
Rick Pitino: 2024-25 Coach of the Year in Review
Friday, May 09