Neemias Queta is fresh off a stellar season with the Utah State Aggies. He joined the team in 2018, and after three years of constant growth and improvement, is ready to test the NBA waters.
Neemias Queta 2021 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Queta was originally born in Lisbon, Portugal. He lived there throughout most of his life and signed to play with SL Benfica in 2017. After playing just two games throughout the entire season, Queta decided to move to the United States after receiving college offers.
With offers coming in from multiple schools, such as Texas Tech and Creighton, Queta ultimately chose Utah State. That became the right choice, as Queta blossomed into one of the Mountain West’s top players.
The honors came rolling in at the end of his freshman year. Queta collected awards for the Mountain West Freshman of the Year, Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, and was on the conference’s All-Second team. After being at the school for just about two months (he arrived in August right before the 2018-19 season), Queta had a 24-point, nine-rebound, and five-block performance against St.Mary’s.
His sophomore year was stellar once again, racking up the same awards (just not the Freshman of the Year, of course). Queta really started receiving national attention this past season, during his junior year.
Queta finished this season as the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year (once again), but also finally made the First Team.
He finished with career highs in every major statistical category, averaging 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 3.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. It’s safe to say Queta does it all.
Strengths
First off, Queta is a physical specimen. He’s had an NBA-ready body for years now. Adjusting to the toughness and strength of the pros will be quick for Queta.
There are limits to his offensive game, but Queta thrives around the basket much like the traditional center. His low-post game will be his go-to.
Queta, as seen by his past rewards, makes defense his bread and butter. First off, he’s an excellent shot-blocker. Averaging over three a game in college is no easy task, and he’ll bring this to the league. He’s also a very strong rebounder. When it’s all said and done, Queta will be a defensive force.
Weaknesses
His offensive game is raw. The further away he’s from the basket, the less effective he is. Queta is essentially more of an old-school center.
He’s also a tad turnover prone on offense. This, however, is due to Utah State relying on him often. Queta will likely not be a top offensive option in the league, so this will go down.
Lastly, he’s not an elite athlete. This may affect him guarding quicker players and centers who can stretch the floor. The modern center can shoot threes and provide assists, meaning Queta may struggle versus some of these types.
NBA Comparison
The best comparison for Queta when it comes to current NBA players is Robert Williams. He’ll be a defensive force and a terrific shot-blocker, but not a top option on offense.
2021 NBA Draft Projection
Queta will be a second-rounder, likely in the top half of the round.
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