A member of the All-Mountain West Conference team each of his 3 years at Utah State, Neemias Queta broke out as a junior. On the year, Queta averaged 15 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 3.3 BPG, and 2.4 TOPG on shooting splits of 56/0/71. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Neemias Queta
Height/Weight: 7’0 ½ / 248
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’4 / 9’4 ½
Hand size: 10 ½
Position: C
College/ country: Utah State
Tools: Shot blocking, athleticism
Pros:
- High level athlete
- Good vision out of the post
- Good screener
- Growing mid range shooter
- Excellent frame
- Protects the rim well
Cons:
- Questionable feel for the game
- Poor free throw form
- Must reduce turnovers
- Needs to become more consistent with his left hand at the rim
Overall:
Neemias Queta is a rim protecting big man with plus athleticism, length, ability to switch onto guards, and a strong pick & roll presence. While Queta took a big leap as a junior, one concern I have about his defense translating is how often he was camped out in the paint, taking advantage of the defensive 3 in the key being extinct in the NCAA. However, Queta has potential to switch onto guards, defend dribble hand-offs, pick & roll, and ability to defend the rim as a weak-side defender to negate that concern. With his athleticism and length, he poses high upside as an interior force on both ends. Offensively, Queta looks to finish above the rim at all times, which played a big part in him being such an effective finisher at the rim, even in traffic. It’s unlikely that Queta ever becomes much of a playmaker beyond dribble hand-offs in the NBA, but the most important improvement Queta can make in the playmaking department is reducing turnovers. Lastly, Queta’s growing jumper is a swing skill for him, which could unlock upside as more than just an interior presence. Look for Queta to get interest in the first round following his breakout junior season.
Similar to: Ivan Rabb, Jarrett Allen, Ike Anigbogu
Projected draft range: 27-50
Expected role: Backup center that finishes above the rim and can protect the rim
Unplayable if: Mid range jump shot doesn’t translate and defensive mishaps get amplified in the NBA
Exceeds expectations if: Defensive upside is achieved and he can occasionally hit a mid range jumper
Shot chart:
