Can I take your number? plant dissertation introductions confirm alibi Thomas, the former Knicks president and head coach, coached World Peace for two seasons with the Indiana Pacers when the Metta still went by the name on his birth certificate, Ron Artest. Thomas, according to a source, enjoyed his brief time with Artest, who was named to the All-Defense second team in 2003. The following season, Artest was named to the All-Star team and was the Defensive Player of the Year.