Michigan State University Athletics
Maintaining Focus With Mike Chappell
11/28/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 28, 2000
East Lansing, Mich. - Setting goals for the 2000-2001 season became a priority for senior Mike Chappell. Number one on that list of goals, to become more of an all-around force for the Spartans. Chappell knew he was going to have improve his game and found that the only way to do that was through hard work and dedication in the off-season.
"I didn't try to focus on one thing during the summer. I definitely wanted to improve my consistency with my shooting. I wanted to try and become a complete player- put the ball on the floor, drive to the basket and just make plays," said Chappell.
Chappell has all the intangibles, he just needed someone to guide him along. He attributes his improved shooting and rebounding to the coaches who put in many long hours to get his game where it is today.
"I contribute what I am doing now to the coaching staff here at Michigan State. They push you and really try to maximize your potential. The guys I have played with the past few years and throughout my college career have also been influential," added Chappell.
Many of Chappell's on-the-court qualities have come from many of his teammates throughout his basketball career. He sees two of his former teammates as role models.
"A guy like Mateen Cleaves, the leadership, tenacity and energy he brought to the court every day really showed leadership skills," Chappell commented. "Then Morris Peterson, who came in without everyone thinking he was lottery pick. He worked hard every year and developed."
Playing with guys like Cleaves and Peterson prepared Chappell for the road that lay ahead. He knew he had to adopt their work ethic and sense of pride if he was to become a successful player. The Spartans have been versatile over the past few seasons, infamous for their ability to adjust and blend when certain situations called for it. They create chaos for opposing defenses who scramble to defend their combination of athleticism and strength. This season, Chappell hopes to do a little damage of his own. He has played both shooting guard and small forward this season, and has proven lethal from either position.
"None of the coaches are really satisfied with players just playing one position. With today's up-tempo game, players have to be able to do more than one thing well. If you look at our team, we have four or five guys that have played different positions. That kind of versatility is key," remarked Chappell.
When asked if there was any one aspect of the game that he enjoyed more than another, Chappell diplomatically answered, "I just enjoy playing basketball."
So far this season, Chappell is averaging seven points along with three rebounds per game. In the season opener against Oakland, he grabbed a career-high seven rebounds. Last season, Chappell struggled with his shot at times. However, that did not stop him from being one of the team's hardest workers, giving that extra hustle each time he stepped on the court.
"Anytime you run into a little bit of adversity, you can deal with it two ways. You can let it defeat you or it can motivate you to work harder. I think going into the summer I realized that last year did not turn out the way I wanted it to, so I used that for strength and motivation to work harder and harder," explained Chappell.
Chappell's blue-collar attitude paid off in the 2000 NCAA Tournament when he came off the bench in the National Championship game vs. Florida, scoring five straight points, swinging the momentum back in the Spartan's favor after Mateen Cleaves went out with an injury. Ask him about the crucial points and he would probably reply "Just doing my job."
As the season progresses, Chappell will look to contribute to the team in any way possible. After waging through a championship season last year, he is well aware that every little bit counts.
"I just want to leave my mark on the game, whether I am starting or coming off the bench," said Chappell. "Whether I am in the game five minutes, ten minutes or one minute, I want to change to tempo of the game in our favor.
"It took some time for us to come together last year. It will take time this year as well for guys to get adjusted to different roles and lineups. The talent is there for us to have a good year. It is just whether or not the intangibles come together. As long as the guys stay focused on the things that made this program what it is, I think we have a chance to accomplish some special goals."
Chappell should know about focus. After all, it's been his focus and determination that have made him the player he is today.
