By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Baxi Manresa’s explosive forward Chima Moneke stars in the latest episode of BCL Diaries, shared on the official YouTube portal of Basketball Champions League Monday. “Everything about me is natural,” he commented on his personality.
“I was probably the most hated person in high school. Just because of how I felt about myself and the dreams that I had,” he mentioned recalling growing up in Australia.
Former NBA player and current FC Barcelona guard, Dante Exum played alongside Moneke in high school. As a BCL Diaries guest star, he credited Moneke as a big part of high-school success and called him a friend. Manresa teammate Sylvain Francisco and Sports Director Xevi Pujol were on hand as well pointing out his energy and intensity as top qualities.
“I am just grateful because this is my life now,” underlined the former UC Davis standout holding a ball, “This ball has helped do a lot of things that most people can’t do.”
Moneke walked through growing up and various countries, feeling Australia as his home, building up a unique look, and the unconventional path towards playing in the NCAA. In conclusion, he explained feeling extremely comfortable and happy as a part of the team based in Catalonia.
“This is the most fun I’ve ever had in anything I’ve ever done in my life,” he said, “I feel like this team, in ten years, people will still be talking about this team. And that’s awesome.”
Moneke, 26, has averaged 12.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per Champions League game over 15 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign. His side is set to deal with ACB rival Unicaja in a best-of-three series for a spot in the season-ending Final Four, which will be held in Bilbao between 6 and 8 May.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League