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 inspiration is—his grandmother. In a Q&A with the Post's Steve Serby on draft night, Chandler sings her praises:

"My grandmother raised me very well and always taught me what was important," said Chandler. "She was a soft-spoken person. If I did something wrong, she'd get on me, especially about my grades."

Chandler's biological parents had their fair share of personal and economic struggles. In a city where 43 percent of residents live below the poverty line, the median annual household income barely sits above $17,400, and the only hotel in town is a truck stop, it's easy to see how one could fall into that trap.

Regardless of this fact, Wilson's parents saw great potential in their son, and felt that he might be able to thrive under the tutelage of his grandmother. In that regard, one may see his parents as noble in realizing that his grandmother was the proper person to raise for him for a better life. Chandler doesn't speak much about his parents, but revealed to Serby in that same post-draft interview:

"My mother and father are always around," said Chandler. "I never had any bad thoughts about them.  I talked to my father (Thursday night) after the draft. He just told me, "Congratulations." They are happy for me. It's my dream."

But he affirms that his grandmother has been the driving force in his life.

"My grandmother's best advice for me was when she told me to be myself, no matter what," said Chandler. "Always be a good person, be respectful to everybody, and go with the flow."

A young man who appears to have his head on straight, Chandler is one of the most physically mature 21-year-olds one will ever encounter. He sports nineteen tattoos, many of which can be found on his super-human biceps.

One of his favorites is the "I am what I am" tattoo on his right bicep, which pays homage to his grandmother's advice to "be yourself," as well as the respect for the city that made him. Even Popeye would salute Chandler's toughness.

With the support of his grandmother, Chandler became a basketball phenom in his community. He received Michigan All-State mentions as a sophomore and junior, while averaging 22.4 points and 12 rebounds during his junior year at Benton Harbor High. He helped the Tigers to a 19-4 record, and was also named first team All-State.

As a senior, Chandler averaged 24 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks per game. That year, Benton Harbor went undefeated during the regular season, finishing No. 1 in the state. Chandler was named Michigan's Mr. Basketball, paving the way for a prolific two-year stint at DePaul.

The story of Wilson Chandler has been one defined by hard work and the ability to persevere through adverse circumstances. Through it all, Chandler never lost sight of his dream:

"Growing up, you always wanted to play in the NBA," said Chandler. "It was everybody's dream when you watched your favorite players. And then you get into college and realize you have a chance to play in the NBA. You look forward to that, and it's a dream come true. And when you make it, you can't stop. You've just got to keep working hard."

"I didn't expect to play in the NBA," continued Chandler. "When I was younger I always wanted to be in the NBA, but I never thought that I would actually play. I was just a big fan. But in college I thought I had the chance."

Wilson Chandler has the upside that Coach D'Antoni wants. He's quick, has great mental and physical toughness, is a good passer, rebounds well, is a tremendous leaper and finisher around the basket, and defends well in transition. Chandler has the skill set to succeed in D'Antoni's system—it just needs to be harnessed.

Under D'Antoni's guidance, Wilson Chandler might just become the glue the Knicks need to shoot up the Eastern Conference standings and into the playoff hunt in 2009.

A tad optimistic? Maybe. But in this league, you never know.