Chimezie Metu

Chimezie Metu's Biography

Chimezie Chukwudum Metu, fondly known as “Chime,” born on March 22, 1997, is a notable Nigerian-American professional basketball player. Well-recognized for his professional playing tenure with FC Barcelona in Liga ACB and EuroLeague, Metu’s career is an example of hard work, grit, and dedication. Born and brought up in Los Angeles, Chimezie moved with his father to Nigeria when he was six years old. While in Nigeria, he spent a substantial part of his childhood honing his soccer skills. Nonetheless, his calling was basketball, which he realized upon returning to the United States.

Upon his return to the U.S., Metu attended Lawndale High School in California, where he first tasted his love for basketball. Rated as a four-star recruit and the number 46 recruit according to Rivals.com, this promising player committed to the University of Southern California (USC) on May 12, 2014.

During his freshman year at USC, Metu made a significant impact, playing in 34 games and starting 2. His impressive performance yielded an average of 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Metu displayed immense potential when he made 54 blocks, securing the 2nd highest block record by a USC freshman, a title previously held by Taj Gibson. His formidable skills were on display as he delivered a 10-minute performance in USC’s clash against Providence in the inaugural round of the 2016 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

The succeeding year impressively added another feather to Metu’s cap. As a sophomore, he started in every single game, ensuring a net average of 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His crucial role in leading the team to the 2nd round of the 2017 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament was a phenomenal feat. His smooth transition from a freshman to an so commendable player earned him the title of 2017 Pac-12 Most Improved Player, along with other accolades like 2nd Team All-Pac-12 and All-Academic Honorable Mention.

Despite a brief controversy linking him to an alleged $2,000 payment from a sports agency, Metu’s commitment and dedication won out. Successfully cleared by USC, he started in 33 of 34 games during his junior year. Averaging 15.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, he was named 1st Team All-Pac-12, partly due to his destructive duo with teammate Jordan McLaughlin. The year 2018 saw Metu forgo the National Invitation Tournament to evade potential injuries and declare himself for the 2018 NBA draft.

On June 21, 2018, a major shift in Metu’s career occurred when he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as the 49th pick in the 2018 NBA draft. His association with the Spurs further extended as he was included in their 2018 NBA Summer League roster. He officially signed with the Spurs in September 2018 and made his NBA debut on October 20, 2018, where he scored two points, secured two rebounds, and made a block in a match against the Portland Trail Blazers.

After a stint with Spurs ended abruptly, Chimezie joined the Sacramento Kings in November 2020. Despite being waived by the Kings after appearing in mere four pre-season games, he was later signed on a two-way contract. His remarkable performance, backed by a multi-year deal, witnessed him in 28 appearances for the Kings.

One of the most memorable games in Metu’s career was on the 29th of December, 2021, when he scored a game-winning three-pointer from the right corner, propelling Sacramento to a 95–94 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Following this, Metu was associated with the Phoenix Suns, where he scored a career-high double-double of 23 points and 19 rebounds in a match against the Dallas Mavericks. Subsequently, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies but was waived shortly after. Eventually, Metu signed a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons and extended it for the rest of the season.

Metu’s career took a turn towards Europe in July 2024, where he signed a year-long contract with FC Barcelona. Metu, apart from his successful club career, was part of the Nigerian final roster for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, as announced on August 27, 2019. The remarkable journey of Chimezie Chukwudum Metu serves as an inspiration for aspiring basketball players worldwide, emphasizing perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering love for the game.