As the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament draws near, the international basketball roster gains a significant addition, involving Phoenix Suns player Chimezie Metu.
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Metu, a recently acquired Suns’ wing, will captain the Nigerian team, known as D’Tigers, in the tournament.
Born in Los Angeles, California, and of Nigerian descent, Chimezie Chukwudum Metu has played internationally for Nigeria in the past. His international journey began at the 2014 Nike Global Challenge, where he showcased his talents and earned an All-Tournament selection at the age of 17.
He contributed notably to the Nigerian team during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, averaging 9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 5 games. He continued his international presence by representing Nigeria in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he again displayed his skills, averaging 9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 3 games played.
Metu’s inclusion bolsters a Nigerian roster currently ranked #19 in the world by FIBA. Notably absent from participation is Metu’s Suns teammate and Nigeria native, Josh Okogie, who played alongside Metu in both the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Olympic games.
The addition of Chimezie Metu to the Nigerian roster adds depth and talent to their lineup. Standing at 6’9″, Metu can contribute effectively as both a forward and a wing player.
His recent acquisition by the Phoenix Suns during the free agency period in late June demonstrates his abilities on the court. While with the Sacramento Kings, Metu played a role in the team’s playoff appearance after a 15-year hiatus.
During the previous season, he averaged 4.9 points with a 58.9 FG%, while the season before that, he started in 20 out of 60 games and posted an average of 8.9 points.
Basketball enthusiasts and Suns fans alike can witness Metu’s performance as he leads the Nigerian team in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
Nigeria, the host country for the tournament, is set to face Senegal in their opening match on Monday, August 14, at 10:00 AM AZ time. Metu’s leadership and skills on the court are anticipated to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s pursuit of victory in the tournament.
