Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Q&A: For Avery, 'Chi Chi' is more than just a nickname
September 04, 2024 | Cowboy Basketball
Marchelus Avery is 6-foot-8 now, but some childhood nicknames are never outgrown.
For as long as he can remember, everyone has called him "Chi Chi," though he'd never questioned why.
But people have been asking. And asking. And asking. Enough to finally prompt a phone call to his mother back in Richmond, Va. for the true origin story.
As it turns out, we can all thank Al Pacino for helping create one of college basketball's best nicknames.
"My mom's cousin gave me the name. It supposedly came from Scarface," Avery revealed. "(Pacino) says, 'Chi Chi, get the yayo.' So, I don't know. They used to always say that to me when I was little, but now I know, like, 'Oh, that's where it came from?'"
What started as a throwaway line from a 40-year-old mobster epic has become a core part of Avery's identity. The name "Chi Chi" is energetic, fun and unique – words that could just as easily describe him.
"I love the fans. I love to interact with people," Avery said. "That's what I most like to do, other than playing the game."
The words resilient and adaptable also apply to Avery.
In 2019 he left Virginia for prep school in Florida and basketball has since taken him to Northwest Florida State College, New Mexico State, UCF and now Oklahoma State.
"It's been a long journey for me… jumping around from school to school, but I feel like everything happens for a reason," said Avery. "I've just been trying to lock in and apply everything I've learned through the years."
Avery is one of nine Cowboys who are preparing for their final season of college basketball, but he's hoping the name "Chi Chi" is one OSU fans will long remember.
"This is a big year, not only for me but for the program," Avery said. "We have a whole new team and coaching staff, and we're working hard to bring something back to Stillwater."
Cowboys Q&A with Marchelus "Chi Chi" Avery:
What do you like to do in your free time?
I play the game a lot, to be honest, more indoors. I don't like to go outside too much unless I'm like, having fun with my people or whoever.
Do you have a favorite video game?
NBA 2k, Madden.
What kinds of podcasts do you like to listen to?
I listen to Paul George, of course, because that's one of the players I look up to… and Million Dollaz Worth of Game.
Favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite television show would be Flash and my favorite movies are probably Avengers. All of them. Yeah. Every single one.
If you had to eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Either ragu pasta or something to do with chicken.
It's game day and you're getting your mind right. What artist are you listening to?
I'm the one that's trying to get hyped, so I play some NBA YoungBoy or that type of scene.
What's your favorite subject in school?
Math.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
The Flash's superpower. Time travel. All that type of stuff. Yeah, go real fast.
What's your favorite season?
Summer.
Favorite sport other than basketball?
Football.
NFL or college?
NFL
Which of your OSU coaches is the funniest?
Coach Robert Guster. He just has a natural humor to make everybody laugh. I don't know why. He just comes in the room and everybody smiles."
For as long as he can remember, everyone has called him "Chi Chi," though he'd never questioned why.
But people have been asking. And asking. And asking. Enough to finally prompt a phone call to his mother back in Richmond, Va. for the true origin story.
As it turns out, we can all thank Al Pacino for helping create one of college basketball's best nicknames.
"My mom's cousin gave me the name. It supposedly came from Scarface," Avery revealed. "(Pacino) says, 'Chi Chi, get the yayo.' So, I don't know. They used to always say that to me when I was little, but now I know, like, 'Oh, that's where it came from?'"
What started as a throwaway line from a 40-year-old mobster epic has become a core part of Avery's identity. The name "Chi Chi" is energetic, fun and unique – words that could just as easily describe him.
"I love the fans. I love to interact with people," Avery said. "That's what I most like to do, other than playing the game."
The words resilient and adaptable also apply to Avery.
In 2019 he left Virginia for prep school in Florida and basketball has since taken him to Northwest Florida State College, New Mexico State, UCF and now Oklahoma State.
"It's been a long journey for me… jumping around from school to school, but I feel like everything happens for a reason," said Avery. "I've just been trying to lock in and apply everything I've learned through the years."
Avery is one of nine Cowboys who are preparing for their final season of college basketball, but he's hoping the name "Chi Chi" is one OSU fans will long remember.
"This is a big year, not only for me but for the program," Avery said. "We have a whole new team and coaching staff, and we're working hard to bring something back to Stillwater."
Cowboys Q&A with Marchelus "Chi Chi" Avery:
What do you like to do in your free time?
I play the game a lot, to be honest, more indoors. I don't like to go outside too much unless I'm like, having fun with my people or whoever.
Do you have a favorite video game?
NBA 2k, Madden.
What kinds of podcasts do you like to listen to?
I listen to Paul George, of course, because that's one of the players I look up to… and Million Dollaz Worth of Game.
Favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite television show would be Flash and my favorite movies are probably Avengers. All of them. Yeah. Every single one.
If you had to eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Either ragu pasta or something to do with chicken.
It's game day and you're getting your mind right. What artist are you listening to?
I'm the one that's trying to get hyped, so I play some NBA YoungBoy or that type of scene.
What's your favorite subject in school?
Math.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?
The Flash's superpower. Time travel. All that type of stuff. Yeah, go real fast.
What's your favorite season?
Summer.
Favorite sport other than basketball?
Football.
NFL or college?
NFL
Which of your OSU coaches is the funniest?
Coach Robert Guster. He just has a natural humor to make everybody laugh. I don't know why. He just comes in the room and everybody smiles."
Players Mentioned
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