Neemias Queta

Neemias Esdras Barbosa Queta was born in Barreiro, Portugal in July of 1999. He is the son of Bissau-Guinean parents Mica and Djaneuba Queta. Queta began playing basketball at the age of 10 for F.C. Barreirense and would go on to play in two games in the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol for S.L. Benfica. In August of 2018, he ended his career with Benfica, choosing instead to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level for Utah State. In his first season, the center averaged 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks and was named both Mountain West Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Queta declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, but ultimately withdrew and returned to play at Utah State. He then led Portugal to a gold medal and earned all-tournament team honors in the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B, but suffered a left knee injury in the tournament semifinal that caused him to miss the first nine games of his sophomore season. Nevertheless, Queta earned Second Team All-Mountain West and All-Defensive Team honors and saw a jump in his scoring average with 13 points per game, but saw a slight dip in rebounds (7.8) and blocks (1.7). He improved in all three categories as a junior, averaging 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.3 blocks, and broke his own program single-season record for blocks with 94. Queta also earned First Team All-Mountain West honors, was once again named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year and was one of four finalists for the 2021 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. In March of 2021, he declared for the 2021 NBA Draft and chose to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility, finishing as Utah State's all-time leader in blocks and blocks per game with 219 and 2.4 respectively. Queta became the first-ever Portuguese player to be drafted in the NBA when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 39th overall pick. In August of 2021, he signed a two-way deal to play for the Kings and their NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Fans can follow Queta on Twitter @nemi1599.