Ron Artest III -- 1st Year Playing Organized Hoops ... Dad Says

Metta World Peace's son is already a high school phenom ... being recruited by multiple college programs ... but the most impressive part -- he's only been playing organized basketball for 1 year!!!

Metta called in to "TMZ Hollywood Sports" from Italy moments ago ... and told us his 15-year-old son Ron Artest III has always been a freakish athlete ... but never played in a real game until this year.

"He has a chance to be real good," Metta told us.

The issue -- Metta says Ron's real passion is modelling ... and he doesn't want to "force" his son into sports if his heart's not in it.