Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns’ Chimezie Metum shines in Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated 8/15/23

Across two games at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament of Africa, Chimezie Metu of the Phoenix Suns put up some impressive numbers for Team Nigeria.

Unfortunately, Nigeria faced elimination after a challenging fourth quarter where they were outscored 24-7 in their recent game against Mali. Nevertheless, Metu exhibited significant promise throughout the tournament.

The Suns gave a shoutout to their new center/forward on Twitter.

Mezie through Nigeria's first two games at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament of Africa:

29 PTS
15 REBS
3 ASTS
1 BLK
1 STL

: FIBA pic.twitter.com/yhak6eL9as

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 15, 2023

This includes a double-double game against Senegal on Sunday.

Chimezie Metu and Nigeria are about to take on Mali here (https://t.co/PCl4nEP7W0) for those interested! Here are some highlights from his 22-point, 10-rebound performance against Senegal on Sunday: pic.twitter.com/lH1d5Yfrht

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) August 15, 2023

Chimezie Metum recently signed a one-year deal with the Suns back in June. He is expected to make around $2.5 million this season.

Prior to joining the Suns, Metu spent two seasons with the Spurs and more recently, contributed significantly off the bench for the Kings over a span of three years.

Last season, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 10.4 minutes, 4.9 points and three rebounds on 59/24/74 splits.

Chimezie Metu’s off-court contributions are equally remarkable. Reportedly, he invested a considerable amount of time recruiting players for the Nigerian basketball team

Big s/o to @Chimezie_Metu.

Has showed up every window despite the lack of organization. Recruited the team to play last minute.

A true leader pic.twitter.com/CxhZxtW7je

— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) August 15, 2023

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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