Wilson Chandler: The Boy from Benton Harbor

When Mike D'Antoni agreed to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks, he promised to bring a fast, furious, entertaining and effective style of basketball from the Arizona desert to the bright lights of New York City, and "The World's Most Famous Arena."

But in order for D'Antoni's up-and-down system to prove successful, it requires a specific type of player to perform in it—players who bring speed, athleticism, poise, passion, a consistent jump shot, and the ability to defend well in transition to the hardwood each game.

D'Antoni sees one Knick in particular whose game could reach new heights due to this system of play.

His name is Wilson Chandler, and he's got quite a backstory.

A 21-year-old native of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Chandler was the Knicks' first-round pick in 2007 after starring at DePaul University for two decorated seasons.  He averaged 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocked shots per game in his sophomore season on the Chicago campus before being drafted by the Knicks.

Chandler's original reaction at being drafted by the Knicks with the 23rd overall pick was one of pure jubilation:

"When Mr. Stern came up and called my name and said I was going to the Knicks at No. 23, it was one of the best moments of my life," said Chandler. "It was kind of a surprise. There were rumors going around, but I knew that until they called my name anything could happen."

A confident young man, Chandler appeared unfazed by the bright lights and added pressure of playing on the nation's biggest stage, as he mentioned minutes after being drafted.

"There's always pressure playing in New York," said Chandler. "I'm tough enough to handle it. I'm ready for the next level."

Chandler showed signs of effectiveness in his first season in the big city, averaging 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. But Coach D'Antoni has greater expectations of the 6'8", 230-pound forward as he enters his sophomore season.

"The other day at practice, Mike D'Antoni, unsolicited, raved about Chandler," writes New York Post Knicks beat writer Marc Berman on his blog.  "He did so again after Monday's summer-league victory, in which Chandler scored 26 points with eight rebounds and two blocks. Chandler is the kind of versatile forward, explosive athlete, solid defender, and weakside shotblocker that D'Antoni craves."

Benton Harbor is located in the southwestern part of the Michigan, about 95 miles from Chicago. Detroit, on the other hand, is located at the opposite side of the state, a good three-hour drive from Chandler's stomping grounds.

As a result, like so many kids growing up in the 1980s and 90s, the No. 23 pick in the 2007 draft cites another No. 23 as his NBA idol. This may explain Chandler's exceptional leaping and closing ability around the rim, something that he undeniably took from watching Jordan.

"I grew up a Bulls fan," said Chandler. "My grandmother was a big Michael Jordan fan, and that's why I was a Bulls fan. She loved Michael Jordan."

From just a few minutes of conversation with Wilson, it's easy to conclude who his true

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