Men In Sports: Chimezie Metu

Ugo Chinedu

3 years ago

Born March 22, 1997, Chimezie Chukwudum Metu, is one of the Nigerian basketball stars who ply their trade in the NBA and will be looking to impress at the Olympics this summer. Metu who was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, USA, became a Tiger when he made the final roster of the Nigerian national male basketball team, D’Tigers, for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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After high school at the Lawndale High School, Lawndale, Metu committed his future to the University of Southern California (USC) on May 12th, 2014. The Nigerian-American’s talent would catch the eyes of the public during his freshman year as he featured in 34 games for the USC Trojans, starting twice. As a freshman, Metu averaged 6.4 points, 3.6 rebounds per game, and a total of 54 blocks (the second most blocks recorded by a USC freshman since Taj Gibson).

Metu’s numbers would improve significantly in his sophomore year as he played 36 times with an average of 14.8 points, and 7.8 rebounds per game. He was instrumental in the team’s run to the second round of the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. The year, 2017, was remarkable for Metu as he was awarded 2017 Pac-12 Most Improved Player, 2nd Team All-Pac-12 and All-Academic Honorable Mention.

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Metu was also impressive as a junior, averaging 15.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game before making the NBA Draft as the 49^th pick, drafted by the San Antonio Spurs on June 21, 2018. On September 4th, 2018, the Nigerian-American signed for the San Antonio Spurs, and made his NBA debut on October 20th, 2018, against Portland Trail Blazers, coming off the bench for about three minutes, registering two points, two rebounds, and one block in a 108-121 defeat to the Blazers. After signing with the Sacramento Kings on November 28, 2020, Metu was waived on December 22 despite making four appearances in pre-season games. On December 24, 2020, he signed a two-way contract with the Kings. He would go on to sign a multi-year deal with the Kings on April 28, 2021, after featuring 28 times. Coach Mike Brown included Metu in his provisional 49-man squad for the Olympics. Metu would be hoping to make the final roster and seek global glory with D’Tigers. Source: Wikipedia Featured Image Source: FIBA

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