The NBA draft takes place in the early hours of Friday, with the hope that the Portuguese Post will be among the 60 promises that will sign the contract.

Of the 35 European countries that have or have NBA players, Portugal could finally make it to the North American League, if 22-year-old Nemeas Barbossa Quetta is selected in the Friday dawn draft (1:00 AM, broadcast + SportTV), To the end of three seasons of serving Utah in the NCAA.

In two rounds, the top 60 US and international pledges at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn (not all will be in attendance) will be called up by Commissioner Adam Silver or runner-up Mark Tatum. This should be the one to dictate the names of the second round, in which the Portuguese giant is expected to be listed, the son of Guinean parents, but born in Lisbon and raised in Barreiro. In the antechamber of the big moment, Quetta appears in the forecasts of major North American analysts (the so-called “photo drafts”), having even entered the forecasts of Jonathan Givoni (ESPN), appointed by the 60th option, the title for Indiana.

After graduating from Barreirense and Benfica, the international moved to the United States after being awarded the best position at the European B U-20, in 2018. At Utah, he had a successful college career, with titles, features and two appearances in “March Madness” – A third was not possible due to the pandemic.

Since declaring himself eligible for the draft again — in 2019 he ended up having his name taken — Nehemiah Queta has found an agency (BDA Sports, owned by Luka Doncic), demonstrated service at the NBA Draft Combine and completed a series of trainings “with the best teams.” (Sacramento, Toronto, New York, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Oklahoma.) He said at the end of the session with the Lakers, who finished only 22 picks. Conversely, the Thunders have the most choices (six), followed by the Knicks. (four), Hornets and Raptors (both three each) But, more than the final destination, because the market does not stop and there are exchanges during the event, the important thing is that the unprecedented entry into the National Basketball Association is achieved, after approaching Joao “Petinho” Gomez, in 2007.

From a distance but well dressed
After a virtual version released in November last year, the NBA draft returned to being personal, but with limitations, with only 20 players invited to the “green room” at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. They are the ones most likely to be chosen, like Cade Cunningham, named number one. Quetta is expected to watch the event at his agency’s California facilities, but without neglecting the outfit, which is one of the highlights of the party night. Therefore, through the Portuguese Basketball Federation, the Portuguese Post will wear a national costume made by the well-known Paulo Batista. “The best dress will definitely be!” the tailor told FPBtv.