Chima Moneke

Chima Moneke's Biography

Nwachukwu Iheukwumere Chima Moneke, professionally known as Chima Moneke, is an accomplished Nigerian basketball player, born on the 24th of December, 1995. Currently playing for Saski Baskonia in the ACB league and the EuroLeague, Moneke has represented the Nigerian national team on several occasions, distinguishing himself on both domestic and international stages.

Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, Moneke’s early life took an international trajectory due to his parents’ work as diplomats for the Nigerian embassy. Sydney and Eucharia Moneke introduced their son to a diverse set of experiences, moving the family from Nigeria to Canberra, Australia, where Chima’s schooling began in earnest at Farrer Primary School.

Upon leaving Australia, Moneke and his family traveled extensively around the world. In 2013, he settled in the United States to pursue his passion for basketball at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. Over his two seasons (2013-2015) with the college, Moneke emerged as a standout player, averaging 17 points per game (ppg) and 12.1 rebounds per game (rpg). These impressive stats contributed significantly to the team’s overall 25-7 record.

Moneke’s career continued to rise when he transferred to the University of California at Davis. In the 2016 – 2017 season, after a redshirt period, he took the Aggies to an NCAA tournament berth- a first in the school’s history. Moneke shone during the tournament, garnering the title of Big West Conference tournament MVP after showcasing exceptional performances. In a memorable match against North Carolina Central, he contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, and in the game against the top-seeded Kansas, Moneke scored 20 points and 9 rebounds, finishing the season with an average of 14.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game, and 14 double-doubles.

The 2017–18 season saw Moneke’s numbers improve, averaging 18.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per appearance in 21 games with the Aggies. However, despite these impressive stats, he was not selected in the 2018 NBA draft.

Undeterred, Moneke signed his first professional contract with the French team, Rouen Métropole Basket, in the LNB Pro B league. After a single season, he moved to the Australian NBL, signing with the South East Melbourne Phoenix. However, passport problems disrupted the deal.

In November 2018, Moneke signed for another French team, Denain Voltaire Basket. Here, he honed his skills further, averaging 14.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 27 games. After a season with Béliers de Kemper, where he averaged 15.8 points per game, his stint was prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020-2021 basketball season saw Moneke playing for the Orléans Loiret Basket team, performing well with averages of 12.5 points, 6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and almost a block per appearance in the 21 games he played in.

On 13th July 2021, Moneke signed a one-year deal with Bàsquet Manresa of the Spanish Liga Endesa and the Basketball Champions League. Making significant contributions to the team, Moneke helped Manresa reach the finals where they valiantly lost to Tenerife. Moneke’s performance was recognized as he was named the MVP of the 2021-22 season after averaging 13.1 points per game.

However, the zenith of his career was yet to come. On 18th July 2022, Moneke signed with the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, where he’d get a chance to work with Coach Mike Brown, who also coached Nigeria’s national team. Despite being waived by the Kings in January 2023, Moneke remained undeterred, choosing to continue his career with AS Monaco Basket of the French LNB Pro A.

While focusing on his club career, Moneke has juggled his duties for Nigeria’s national team. He made his debut with the national team in 2020, playing in three qualifying matches for Afrobasket. Summoned for pre-selection in 2021, Moneke had the chance to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Moneke has, throughout his career journey, learned from various experiences across the globe. From his early years in Canberra, Australia, where he attended Canberra High School and Lake Ginninderra College playing high school basketball alongside Danté Exum, to his internationally recognized career in professional basketball, Nwachukwu Iheukwumere Chima Moneke has firmly established his presence on the basketball court.