Neemias Queta (born August 13, 1999) is a Portuguese professional basketball player who currently plays as a centre for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He is widely recognised as the first Portuguese-born player in NBA history, symbolising a major milestone for basketball in Portugal. Queta was born in Almada, Portugal, and began his basketball journey at the age of 11 with Barreirense, where he developed foundational skills in shooting, rebounding, and defense. Coming from an athletic family, he quickly rose through the youth ranks, establishing himself as one of Portugal’s most promising talents.
Queta’s club career began at Barreirense (2009–2016), where he progressed through the youth academy and gained essential technical and tactical skills. He then moved to SL Benfica (2016–2017), advancing to a higher level of competition and refining his court awareness, footwork, and defensive abilities. He later played college basketball at Utah State University (2017–2020), where he became a key player for the Aggies, leading the team in blocks and earning recognition on the All-Mountain West First Team. During his college years, Queta enhanced his offensive game, developing mid-range shooting and post passing.
Queta was drafted 39th overall by the Sacramento Kings (2020–2023), providing rim protection, rebounding, and defensive depth while adapting to the NBA’s pace and physicality. He currently plays for the Boston Celtics (2023–Present), serving as a defensive anchor and rotational centre, continuing to develop his basketball IQ and versatility in a championship-contending environment.
On the international stage, Queta represented Portugal at U16, U18, and U20 levels (2014–2019), demonstrating dominance in rebounds and blocks, and has been a central figure for the senior national team (2018–Present), leading Portugal in key tournaments and inspiring younger players.
Queta plays as a centre, known for his defensive-minded style, rim protection, and shot-blocking ability. He excels in rebounding, anchoring the defensive end, and providing pick-and-roll support. Offensively, he is developing a reliable mid-range shot and post scoring ability, becoming increasingly versatile. His key skills include shot-blocking, rebounding, pick-and-roll efficiency, post scoring, and basketball IQ, enabling him to make smart decisions and maintain strong positional play.
Outside of basketball, Queta is passionate about football, particularly following Portuguese and international clubs. He also enjoys mentoring youth athletes, supporting basketball development in Portugal, and engaging with his community through sports and educational initiatives.
Barreirense (Portugal) (2009–2016)
Neemias Queta began his basketball journey at Barreirense, joining their youth academy at the age of 11. Over seven years, he progressed through the club’s youth system, honing his fundamentals in shooting, rebounding, and defensive positioning. Barreirense gave him the environment to grow physically and technically while competing in Portugal’s top youth circuits. During this time, Queta established himself as one of the country’s most promising young talents, attracting attention from scouts overseas. Barreirense’s training programmes and competitive opportunities laid the foundation for his eventual move to higher-profile clubs and the United States.
SL Benfica (Portugal) (2016–2017)
In 2016, Queta transferred to SL Benfica, Portugal’s leading basketball club, where he competed at a higher level of youth and semi-professional basketball. Benfica provided advanced coaching, professional facilities, and exposure to international competitions, which significantly improved his tactical understanding, footwork, and court awareness. His performances at Benfica confirmed his potential to play at elite levels, culminating in scholarship offers from NCAA programs. This period was critical in preparing him physically and mentally for American college basketball.
Utah State University (USA) (2017–2020)
Queta moved to the United States to play NCAA basketball with the Utah State Aggies, quickly becoming a cornerstone for the team. Known for his defensive prowess, shot-blocking, and rebounding, Queta helped Utah State compete at a high level in the Mountain West Conference. In his junior year, he was named to the All-Mountain West First Team and became the Aggies’ all-time leader in blocks. His time at Utah State was marked by steady improvement in offensive skills, including mid-range shooting and post passing, making him a well-rounded centre ready for professional play.
Sacramento Kings (NBA) (2020–2023)
Queta was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 39th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, becoming the first Portuguese-born player in NBA history. With Sacramento, he developed as a defensive specialist, providing shot-blocking, rebounding, and rim protection in a rotational role. He adapted to the speed and physicality of the NBA while continuing to refine his offensive game in pick-and-roll situations. Queta’s time with the Kings allowed him to gain invaluable experience, training under NBA-level systems and coaching staff, while competing against the world’s top players.
Boston Celtics (NBA) (2023–Present)
In 2023, Queta joined the Boston Celtics, entering a championship-contending environment. As part of a deep roster, he contributes primarily as a defensive anchor and rebounder while learning from experienced teammates and coaches. Playing for the Celtics allows Queta to develop his basketball IQ and versatility further, enhancing his reputation as a rising talent from Portugal in the NBA. Beyond individual performance, Queta’s journey serves as inspiration for young Portuguese players aspiring to reach the highest levels of basketball globally.
Portugal U16 (2015)
Queta represented Portugal at the 2015 FIBA U16 European Championship Division B, marking his first exposure to international competition. At this stage, he showcased early signs of his defensive dominance, particularly his shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities. Playing against some of Europe’s top young prospects, Queta developed his understanding of international basketball styles, learning to adapt quickly to different paces and physicality. His performances helped establish him as one of the most promising young talents in Portuguese basketball and laid the groundwork for his future progression to higher age groups.
Portugal U18 (2016)
Progressing to the Portugal U18 national team, Queta competed in the 2016 FIBA U18 European Championship Division B, where he began to assert himself as a significant contributor on both ends of the court. At this level, he demonstrated improvements in rebounding, pick-and-roll execution, and defensive positioning, while continuing to dominate in shot-blocking. Beyond physical skills, he developed leadership qualities, often acting as a stabilising presence in the paint during critical game moments. This period was instrumental in helping him gain recognition from international scouts, highlighting his potential to play at higher levels, including professional leagues and eventual NBA interest.
Portugal U20 (2017–2019)
Queta became a key player for the Portugal U20 national team, competing in European tournaments over multiple years. During this period, he evolved into a more complete player, combining his natural athleticism with improved offensive skills, including mid-range scoring and finishing around the basket. His rebounding, court awareness, and defensive timing grew significantly, making him a central figure in Portugal’s frontcourt. His experience against older and more physically mature players at this level allowed him to refine his mental toughness, resilience, and leadership skills, all crucial for his transition into senior-level professional basketball.
Portugal Senior Team (2017–Present)
Queta has been a member of the Portugal senior national basketball team since 2017, participating in EuroBasket qualifiers, FIBA international competitions, and other tournaments. As one of Portugal’s top players, he has consistently provided rim protection, interior scoring, and rebounding prowess. His experience in the NBA has further enhanced his value to the national team, as he brings professional-level insights, training habits, and strategic understanding. Queta is now seen not only as a cornerstone for the team’s current roster but also as a role model for younger Portuguese athletes aspiring to play professionally, demonstrating that players from Portugal can reach top-tier basketball leagues globally.
Position: Center / Power Forward
Skills
Education and Personal Development
Queta places a strong emphasis on education and personal growth, recognising the importance of balancing academics with athletic development. During his time at UC Davis, he committed himself to both his studies and basketball, often highlighting how education provides opportunities beyond sports. He encourages young athletes to prioritise learning, develop transferable skills, and cultivate discipline that will serve them throughout life, on and off the court.
Community Engagement and Mentorship
Queta is actively involved in community initiatives, particularly those aimed at empowering youth through sports. He participates in basketball clinics, mentorship programmes, and outreach events, focusing especially on underprivileged or minority communities in Portugal and the United States. Through these initiatives, he inspires young people to work hard, persevere, and pursue both athletic and personal goals, demonstrating the value of guidance and mentorship.
Cultural Awareness and Travel
Having lived and played in multiple countries, Queta has developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences. He enjoys learning about new places, meeting people from different backgrounds, and understanding global perspectives. His travels have helped him adapt quickly to new environments, both on and off the court, and he often underscores the importance of cultural exposure in shaping personal and professional growth.
Fitness, Holistic Health, and Sports Science
Beyond basketball, Queta is passionate about fitness, nutrition, recovery, and overall well-being. He follows structured training regimes, monitors his diet closely, and explores innovative approaches to athletic performance. His interest in sports science and analytics extends to studying gameplay trends, opponent strategies, and statistical data to enhance his skills. This dedication to holistic health and continuous learning sets an example for aspiring athletes seeking long-term performance and wellness.
Neemias Queta’s legacy is defined by his trailblazing role in Portuguese basketball and his rise through the ranks of college, professional, and international play. He has become the first Portuguese player to be drafted into the NBA, breaking a significant barrier for athletes from his country and inspiring a new generation of Portuguese basketball players to pursue careers at the highest level. His time at UC Davis cemented his reputation as an elite defensive player, with multiple defensive awards and school records in blocks, highlighting his impact on both ends of the court.
Professionally, Queta has shown resilience and adaptability, transitioning from college basketball to the NBA and G League while representing Portugal on the international stage. His journey reflects not only athletic talent but also leadership, as he has served as a key figure for Portugal’s national teams at youth and senior levels. Beyond statistics, he is recognised for his professionalism, work ethic, and ability to elevate teammates’ performances, which enhances his standing as a role model for aspiring athletes.
While still early in his career, Queta’s legacy is already significant: he represents the globalization of basketball talent and the breaking of national barriers in professional leagues. Future Portuguese players will look to his career as proof that international talent can reach the NBA. If he continues to develop his skills and secure a lasting place in the NBA, his legacy may grow to include recognition as one of Portugal’s greatest athletes, a pioneer in international basketball, and an ambassador for the sport both in Europe and globally.
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