By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Neemias Queta has formally rejoined the Portuguese senior national team as they prepare for a critical FIBA window in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
The 27-year-old Boston Celtics center, a pioneer as the first Portuguese player ever drafted and to play in the NBA, remains the undisputed leader of his country’s basketball ambitions.
Queta previously cemented his legendary status during EuroBasket 2025, where his performance of 23 points and 18 rebounds against Czechia secured Portugal’s first major tournament win in 18 years and led the nation to the round of 16.
His international journey is deeply rooted in the youth systems, highlighted by a gold medal run at the 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship Division B.
Now, the Lisbon native and former NBA champion faces the monumental task of guiding Portugal to its first-ever World Cup appearance.
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Portugal currently sits fourth in Group I with a 3-3 record, trailing Spain, Ukraine, and Montenegro. With only the top three teams advancing to next summer’s tournament in Qatar, the upcoming FIBA window is entirely make-or-break.
The team coached by Mario Gomes faces a daunting away test against group leaders Spain on August 28, followed by a crucial home matchup against Georgia on August 31. Queta’s elite interior presence, rebounding, and shot-blocking will be the ultimate deciding factors for Portugal.
As training camp gets underway, the eyes of the nation are on Neem the Dream to see if he can once again shatter expectations and script another historic chapter.
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