Metta World Peace, the former New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers forward will be an assistant coach for the Palisades High girls’ basketball team, in Los Angeles.
Palisades head coach Torino Johnson announced the addition to his staff on Wednesday on twitter.
In addition 2 his NBA duties @MettaWorldPeace will be a member of the 2015 Girls Basketball coaching staff. #NBA #CIF #MentalHealthMatters
— Torino K Johnson (@coachtorino) June 12, 2014
Johnson has known World Peace since coaching his daughter Sadie four years ago. In the past, they have joked that World Peace should join the staff.
Johnson told the Orange County Register that he wants World Peace to be positive and impactful.
“He’ll be heavily involved in our program,” Johnson said. “We keep having, it’s an ongoing dialog, but its all positive. There’s no out. The only purpose for this is to be positive and impactful- and this is of hid own choosing.”
World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, appeared in 29 games for the Knicks last season, before being released in late February. He was a Laker for five seasons, helping them win an NBA title in 2010.
Johnson said World Peace would be heavily involved in film sessions and practices. Palisades is looking to win its first championship since 2012.