The Barreiro-born player made his debut for the Sacramento Kings with five rebounds, an assist and a throw-in, in the Kings' home defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies (105- 124).
At a time when the Sacramento team has six players out due to infection by the new coronavirus, Neemias Queta was called up to play in the second period (4.30 minutes), in the third (1.01) and also in the fourth and last, in the final 2.13 of the match.
Despite the defeat and not having made any points in his debut, Neemias Queta still managed to make history in Portuguese basketball, as a Portuguese player has never before played in a game in the main league in the world, the NBA.
Neemias Queta, is 22 years old and 2.13 metres tall, and is the first Portuguese player to join an NBA team, after being elected by the Sacramento Kings in 39th place in the draft, held on 29 July, in New York.
After three years at Utah State University, the former Barreirense and Benfica player entered the draft, giving up his 'senior' season, and was chosen in the ninth position of the second round.
The Portuguese international finished his university career with averages of 13.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 throws and 2.0 assists, with 59.4 percent in field throws.
Congratulation's Neemius Queta on being the first ever Portuguese athlete to be drafted and play in the NBA. We are so proud of you, you will have a very successful career !
By Lisa from Other on 22 Dec 2021, 16:40