St. John's University Athletics
Metta World Peace to be Honored as BIG EAST Legend at 2026 Men’s Basketball Tournament
3/3/2026 5:38:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Former St. John’s standout will be honored for his contributions to the conference next week at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK – The BIG EAST Conference announced Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, will represent St. John's as part of the conference's legend recognition program and will be honored at the 2026 Men's Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden.
World Peace will be recognized during the Red Storm's first tournament contest on March 12 at The World's Most Famous Arena. The BIG EAST Legend Recognition Program was launched in 2024 by the conference to honor men's and women's basketball alumni who paved the way and established the rich history of BIG EAST basketball.
A highly-touted high school prospect and McDonald's All-American out of the nearby Queensbridge neighborhood, World Peace chose to stay in his borough and play for the Red Storm. The forward played two seasons for the Johnnies from 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, World Peace 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. Until last year, he was the last St. John's player to record a triple-double on Jan. 9, 1999, against Seton Hall before Kadary Richmond and now Zuby Ejiofor accomplished the feat.
After two years at St. John's, World Peace declared for the NBA Draft and was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall 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 NBA All-Star (2004), a four-time All-Defensive Team honoree (2003-04, 2006, 2009), and won a NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010. During his time in the league, he recorded 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.
World Peace will be recognized during the Red Storm's first tournament contest on March 12 at The World's Most Famous Arena. The BIG EAST Legend Recognition Program was launched in 2024 by the conference to honor men's and women's basketball alumni who paved the way and established the rich history of BIG EAST basketball.
A highly-touted high school prospect and McDonald's All-American out of the nearby Queensbridge neighborhood, World Peace chose to stay in his borough and play for the Red Storm. The forward played two seasons for the Johnnies from 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, World Peace 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. Until last year, he was the last St. John's player to record a triple-double on Jan. 9, 1999, against Seton Hall before Kadary Richmond and now Zuby Ejiofor accomplished the feat.
After two years at St. John's, World Peace declared for the NBA Draft and was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall 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 NBA All-Star (2004), a four-time All-Defensive Team honoree (2003-04, 2006, 2009), and won a NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010. During his time in the league, he recorded 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.
Players Mentioned
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