Under the leadership of Tom Izzo, Chappell contributed to a dynamic team that won the NCAA National Title in 2000 and made it to the Final Four in 2001.

Upon graduation from Michigan State University, Chappell joined the rosters of the Wollongong Hawks (2001–2002) and Canberra Cannons (2002–2003) in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).

Word of Chappell's success in the NBL reached the US, and he was selected to play for the Toronto Raptors in the 2004 NBA Summer League in Minnesota.

During the 2002 NBL off-season, Chappell and the Cannons embarked on a short tour of the United States playing various college teams.

The New Zealand national basketball team, The Tall Blacks, has jokingly extended an open invitation for Chappell's son to join their roster some day.