Phoenix Suns forward Chimezie Metu, Nigeria knocked out of FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying
Aug 15, 2023, 7:27 PM | Updated: Aug 16, 2023, 4:32 am
Chimezie Metu #7 of the Sacramento Kings in action against Skylar Mays #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center on March 31, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns big man Chimezie Metu and Nigeria are out at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Africa after falling to Mali 77-68 on Tuesday in Lagos, Nigeria.
Metu didn’t fare well, scoring seven points on 3-for-13 from the field, including 1-for-6 from 3-point range. He added five rebounds and two assists to his statline.
The Nigerian team was looking to play in their fourth-consecutive Summer Olympiad, with hopes of a berth at Paris in 2024.
RELATED STORIES
The 26-year-old Metu had previously represented the team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
A former USC Trojan, Metu has played the last three seasons with the Sacramento Kings before signing with the Suns on July 2. Prior to that, Metu was with the San Antonio Spurs for two years after being a second-round draft pick in 2018.
His best year was in 2021-22 when he started 20 games and averaged 21.3 minutes per game. That season, he averaged 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.
