Mike Chavez was one of the few indigenous men to play basketball at the NCAA Division I level in Montana, and he was honored at the 2023 University of Montana Nike N7 Celebration basketball game.
 
Chavez was a three-time "USA TODAY" all-class player of the year for Montana from 2000- 2002. He was a Street and Smith High School All-American and a McDonald's All-American Nominee. He was also a four-year All-State and All-Conference selection.
 
Chavez played high School basketball for the Heart Butte High School Warriors and the Browning High School Indians from the Blackfeet Indian reservation. He was named State Tournament Most Valuable Player three years in a row and a three-time state champion in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
 
In 2002, Chavez had multiple offers from colleges. He chose the University of Montana Grizzlies over Oregon State, Oregon, Montana State, UMASS and New Mexico. Chavez played in the NCAA tournament with the nation’s elite as the Griz made it into the second round in 2006 before losing to Boston College. Out of all the Big Dance teams, he was the only Native player in the tournament.
 
In 2007, Chavez won the prestigious Naseby Rhinehart Award. Chavez also made the All-Decade team for 2000-2010 with the University of Montana Basketball Program. He had his difficulties with culture shock, but with perseverance, hard work and his culture, Chavez finished an illustrious career at the University of Montana.
 
Following his graduation from college. Chavez was drafted into The Continental Basketball Association CBA by the Great Falls Explorers. He played professional basketball across the world in FIBA Pro leagues including the Latin Pro League (LNBP) in Guadalajara.

Chavez is currently the Athletic Director/Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, North Dakota. He lives with his wife Lisa Chavez (Cree/Lakota).