The hopes of Phoenix Suns’ Chimezie Metu and the Nigerian basketball team were dashed at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament as they suffered a defeat to Mali with a final score of 77-68.
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The disappointing loss occurred on Tuesday in Lagos, Nigeria, leading to Nigeria’s exit from the tournament.
Chimezie Metu, the Phoenix Suns’ big man, faced challenges during the game, managing to score seven points while shooting 3-for-13 from the field.
His performance included a 1-for-6 record from 3-point range. Despite the difficulties, he contributed five rebounds and two assists to his stat line.
The Nigerian basketball team had been aiming to secure their fourth consecutive appearance at the Summer Olympiad, with aspirations of earning a spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.
However, the loss to Mali thwarted their ambitions for Olympic qualification.
Chimezie Metu, aged 26, had previously represented Nigeria in the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021. The former USC Trojan had showcased his skills on the global stage before, making his contributions to the Nigerian team’s performance.
Notably, Metu spent the majority of his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings before signing with the Phoenix Suns on July 2.
His experience and abilities were expected to bring depth to the Suns’ roster.
Metu’s standout season was in 2021-22, during which he started in 20 games and maintained an average playing time of 21.3 minutes per game.
In that season, his performance statistics showcased his versatility on the court. He averaged 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, underscoring his significant contributions to the team’s overall dynamics.
While the recent loss at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament is a setback, Chimezie Metu’s basketball journey continues. His experiences on both the international and NBA stages remain integral to his growth and development within the sport.
As the basketball world evolves, Metu’s contributions are anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping the future of both his individual career and his team’s aspirations.
