Neemias Queta's NBA triumph celebrated in Lisbon
Neemias Esdras Barbosa Queta, a former Sport Lisboa e Benfica athlete with a height of 2.13 meters, made history by becoming the first Portuguese to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). On his recent victory in the North American championship, for the Boston Celtics , he commented: "It was the icing on the cake that this happened, getting the contract at the time and now winning the championship".
The player highlighted the importance of the support he receives from fans in Portugal and the responsibility he feels as a pioneer. "It's good to know that I have the support of the people here in Portugal. Knowing that I have a different responsibility, being the only one in the NBA," said Queta. The player sees this responsibility with pride and wants to be an example for sport in the country: "I can be a standard-bearer for sport, it's something that's important to me."
At the event on August 1, which was attended by Ângelo Pereira, the Councillor for Sport, the basketball player left some advice for young people who aspire to follow in his footsteps: "Above all, be very happy with what you do. Work hard, because you never know when you'll get an opportunity that could change your life."
With his sights set on the future, Neemias is already preparing for new challenges, including taking part in the European Championships: "I've already packed my bags to go to the Europeans and in principle we're well on our way. It's the same mindset I've had all year. Knowing that if my name is called I have to be ready. And from there it's about doing what I like best, which is playing basketball," he said.
A year ago, Lisbon City Council refurbished the basketball courts at Moinho do Penedo, paying tribute to two Portuguese basketball stars: Ticha Penicheiro and Neemias Queta, the first Portuguese players to reach the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA.
"It's important to have street equipment where you can play at any time, three-on-three games," said Neemias Queta.