Where Are They Now - Jeremy Chappelle

By: Justin Downs

Posted: 1/27/10

Nearly a year ago, Jeremy Chappell was immersed in his studies preparing for his last round of final exams. At the same time, he was attempting to maintain a level of play on the basketball court capable of carrying Robert Morris to a Northeast Conference title and an NCAA Tournament birth.

The situation was very familiar for the senior hospitality major. He knew well what to expect, and succeeded with flying colors on and off the basketball court. You could say that the ball was in his hands.

Today however, the reigning NEC Player of the Year finds himself in a much more foreign environment as he is now playing professional basketball in Poland with the team Sokol Znicz Jaroslaw of the Polska Liga Koszykowki (PLK).

"My time in Poland has been a great experience. It's nice to see the way different cultures live," said Chappell.

According to Chappell, there are two primary differences from playing college basketball in the U.S. to professional basketball in Europe.

"One thing that differs from college to the European league is the defensive intensity. I must say it was a lot harder playing against Mount St. Mary's," he concluded. "On the flip side, everybody that is over here deserves to be here. There are no role players. You can't scout to stop two players because anybody can go out there score 20 (points) on any given night. "

The other dramatic change on the court is the crowd atmosphere.

"You think you know crazy fans until you experience die hard fans," he laughed. "They will fight other fans just for pride. Others will drive 12 hours in a bus every week just so they can support you, and even if you lose by 30, they congratulate you and tell you that you had a good game," he said.

Ironically, all those fans that tell Jeremy he has had a good game are more than likely telling the truth.

Over the course of his career at Robert Morris University, Chappell became one of the most decorated players in the program's history. From the moment he dawned the blue and red jersey, Chappell made his presence felt on the floor.

Named All-NEC Rookie of the Year in 2006, All-NEC 2nd Team in 2008, and All-NEC 1st Team in 2009, Chappell averaged 6 rebounds and 3 assists in addition to his 16.7 points per game. He also finished his collegiate career as one of the NEC's most prolific perimeter shooters, knocking down 39.6% of his shots from behind the arc.

The stat line that Chappell has compiled overseas is eerily similar to the one he manufactured over his four year career as a Colonial. In fact, his numbers have improved since turning pro.

Chappell currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring and rebounding with 18.9 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game. He's also ranked third in the league in steals with 2.3 per game.

With the help of Chappell, Sokol Znicz owns an overall record of 9-7, good enough to tie for fifth in the PLK (out of 14 teams).

Don't let the stats fool you, though. The transition from Pittsburgh to Poland has been anything but a walk in the park.

"Life is completely different now," said Chappell. "I'm on my own. I have to make my own food, get myself to the places I need to go, and I know I can't rely on RMU anymore," he continued. "I had to grow up fast, especially being halfway around the world."

Overall, Chappell admits that he has no regrets and still hopes that one day he will be able to make the transition from the PLK to the NBA. While some may say that the NBA is out of reach for Chappell, he believes that anything is attainable.

"It's all about getting the right opportunities," he explained. "Granted, there is a lot that I still need to work on before I even think about that level of play, but if the opportunity presents itself, it's something I couldn't pass on. Playing in the NBA has always been my dream."

And for those of you wondering, Chappell also mentioned that he still follows Coach Rice's Colonials closely, even keeping frequent contact with his former teammates.

"I talk to the guys weekly, and stay in touch with the coaches. They are my family, so I have to stay in touch with them to make sure they are gearing up for a repeat."