Early Life
Chimezie Metu was born on March 22, 1997, in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in a Nigerian household and at the age of 6, his family made the decision to move back to Nigeria. He spent six years living in Nigeria before returning to Los Angeles at the age of 12.
College Career
Metu attended the University of Southern California (USC) where he played college basketball for the USC Trojans. He declared his intention to attend USC on May 12, 2014, and went on to have an impressive career with the Trojans. During his freshman year, Metu appeared in 34 games and started in 2 of them. He maintained an average of 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game throughout his college career.
Professional Career
Chimezie Metu was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the 2018 NBA draft. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented forward for the Kings. On December 29, 2021, Metu made a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, leading the Kings to victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This clutch performance solidified his place as a key player for the Kings.
During a Summer League game in August 2021, Metu was ejected after throwing a punch at Eugene Omoruyi. Despite this incident, Metu continued to show his skill and dedication on the court, earning respect from his teammates and fans alike.
Personal Life
Chimezie Metu comes from a close-knit family who have supported him throughout his basketball career. He credits his family with instilling in him a strong work ethic and a passion for the game. In addition to his family, Metu also values the friendships and relationships he has built over the years, both on and off the court.
Accolades
In 2018, Chimezie Metu was named to the All-Pac-12 1st team alongside Jordan McLaughlin. This recognition solidified his status as one of the top players in the conference. Metu's dedication to the game and his team has earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.
Overall, Chimezie Metu's journey from his early days in Nigeria to becoming a standout player in the NBA is a testament to his hard work, determination, and talent. As he continues to grow and evolve as a player, there is no doubt that he will leave a lasting impact on the world of basketball.