Neemias Queta is a Portuguese basketball player that plays as a center for the Sacramento Kings and their G-League affiliate team, the Stockton Kings, after signing a two-way contract. He made history as the first-ever Portuguese player drafted into the NBA.
Queta was the 39th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, marking a significant moment in Portuguese basketball history.
Born in Barreiro, Portugal, Queta started playing basketball at the age of ten with F.C. Barreirense.
He played four professional games in the Portuguese Basketball League before committing to play collegiate basketball for Utah State, where he made history as the top shot-blocker in the university’s history.
In addition to representing his national team, Queta played a crucial role in leading them to capture the gold medal at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B.
This article will cover Queta’s life and career, from his early years to his current contracts and net worth.
Quick Facts
Full Name | Neemias Esdras Barbosa Queta |
Known As | Neemias Queta |
Date of Birth | July 13, 1999 |
Age | 25 Years Old |
Birth Place | Barreiro, Portugal |
Nationality | Portuguese |
Father’s Name | Dyaneuba Queta |
Mother’s Name | Mica Barbosa Queta |
Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
Relationship Status | Single |
Height | 7 feet 0 inches/ 213 cm/ 2.13 m |
Weight | 245 lbs/ 111 kg |
Education |
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NBA Draft | 2021/ Round:2/ Pick: 39th Overall |
Playing Career | 2017-2018; 2021- Present |
Current Team |
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Awards & Achievements |
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Position | Center |
Jersey Number | 88 |
Average Annual Salary | $500k |
Net Worth | $300k-$500k |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
Merch | Rookie Card |
Last Update | October 2024 |
Early Life & Collegiate Basketball
Neemias Queta was born in Barreiro, Portugal, on July 13, 1999, to Mica and Djaneuba Queta.
Queta’s parents, were born in Guinea-Bissau, which used to be a Portuguese colony.
He began playing basketball at age ten after attending a tryout with F.C. Barreirense, where his older sister was already playing.
Unfortunately, no further information is available at this time regarding his parents or his sister.
Age, Height & Body Measurements
Neemias Queta is currently 25 years old.
The Portuguese-born basketball player stands exactly 7 feet (2.13 m) tall and weighs 245 lbs (111 kg).
His wingspan measures 7 feet 4 inches, and his standing reach is 9 feet 4 inches.
Collegiate Basketball
Neemias Queta played four professional games in the Portuguese Basketball League for Benfica in the 2017-18 season.
However, Queta committed to play collegiate basketball for Utah State on August 29, 2018.
He started in all of the thirty-five games in his freshman year.
Unfortunately, Queta suffered a knee injury in his sophomore year and missed nine games.
In his junior year, he averaged 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game.
With a total of 219 blocks, he ended his career as the top-shot blocker in the history of Utah State.
Queta declared for the 2021 NBA Draft on March 29, 2021.
First Portuguese Player To Play In The NBA
In the 2021 NBA Draft, Neemias Queta made history as the first-ever Portuguese player to be drafted when he was selected as the 39th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings.
Queta made his NBA debut against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17, 2021, in which he featured for eight minutes and made five rebounds.
On January 10, 2022, he became the first Portuguese basketball player to score points in the NBA after scoring 11 points against the Cavaliers.
During the 2021-22 season, Queta participated in a total of 15 games but did not start any of them due to Richaun Holmes, Alex Len, Damian Jones, and Tristan Thompson being ahead of him in the center position.
He played in 14 games in the NBA G League for the Stockon Kings in the 2021-22 season and averaged 16.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
National Team
Queta has represented Portugal in competitions like the 2017 FIBA U18 European Championship Division B, the 2018 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B, and the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B.
He led the team to win a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B.
Queta averaged 14.3 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game in that tournament.
Net Worth, Salary & Contracts
Net Worth & Salary
Neemias Queta’s net worth is estimated to be around $300k-$500k as of October 2024, with the majority of his earnings coming from his basketball career.
Additionally, he serves as the ambassador for the Portuguese 1 Divison, Liga Betclic.
According to reports, NBA players receive a minimum salary of approximately $1 million, while players on a two-way contract receive half of that amount.
Therefore, it is probable that Queta’s yearly salary is roughly $500,000.
Contracts
The Sacramento Kings drafted Neemias Queta in the second round as the 39th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
He signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento and Stockton Kings on August 8, 2021.
On June 28, 2021, Sacramento Kings extended a $1.58 million qualifying offer, which made him a restricted free agent.
Queta signed a new two-way contract with the Kings on July 2, 2022.
He will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season, and Sacramento Kings have to meet a qualifying offer of $1.76 million this time.
Relationships & Social Media Presence
Fans want to know about the Portuguese’s dating history and current relationship status.
He has not shared any information about his love life on his social media accounts.
Based on his lack of public updates on his personal life, it can be assumed that he is currently single and focusing on his career.
At the time of writing, he has 137k followers on Instagram and 34.9k followers on Twitter.
His social media accounts primarily feature basketball-related content, such as game pictures, training videos, and his accomplishments.
Popularity Graph
In his junior year, Queta was named the first-team all-Mountain West, Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, and the MW all-defensive team member.
The graph above shows the volume of searches over the past twelve months, with Neemias Queta’s search interests reaching a peak in July 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What number does Neemias Queta wear?
Neemias Queta wears the number 88 jersey for the Sacramento Kings.
How much does Neemias Queta make?
It is estimated that Neemias Queta earns approximately $500,000 during the 2022-23 season.