Neemias Queta: The difference maker

Well over a month after the suspension of all athletic activities, there wasn’t much to be excited about in the world of sports. That was until a three-word message from Neemias Queta was sent on Twitter, sending shock waves across Cache Valley and beyond. “I’m back…again.”

Utah State men’s basketball center Neemias Queta made the decision to forgo the NBA draft (again) and come back for his third season at Utah State. Queta told USU play-by-play announcer Scotty Gerrard in a recent interview, “It just wasn’t the right timing to go and I just felt like I really had a really good opportunity to stay here and keep improving…I just felt that we had probably the same amount of chances as we had last year to win another championship.”

So, what does Queta’s return mean for Utah State basketball in the 2020-21 season?

“His abilities on the court are so valuable and it’s gonna elevate our team so much and it’s gonna be so good to have him back,” said junior guard Brock Miller. 

Junior forward Justin Bean, shared a similar sentiment. 

“My right-hand man is coming back,” he said. “I think that being able to have him alongside me in the frontcourt is gonna be scary for some teams that we play against.”

The Neem and Bean Machine had the fourth and fifth best defensive ratings in the Mountain West conference this past season — Bean at 24.6 and Queta at 23.3 — which helped the Aggies earn a 94.6 defensive efficiency rating as a team. That rating was No. 2 in the conference and No. 48 in the nation. 

Queta has been a near immovable force defensively. The seven-foot center earned Mountain West defensive player of the year his freshman year, and this past year led the league in blocking percentage at 7.79%. His seven-foot-four wingspan limits the space that opposing offenses have to operate and forces opposing players to think twice before taking it to the hole. 

“He’s our anchor to our defense,” said Miller. 

With potent scorer Sam Merrill’s graduation, the Aggies — who were already more efficient on the defensive end than on offense according to KenPom — will have to be even more defensive. 

“We know that we’re going to be a really good defensive team and that’s gonna be definitely our strong suit, so we just need to continue to play to our strengths,” Bean said. 

But points will still need to be scored. 

“Its gonna be interesting to see who can fill in that void with Sam being gone,” Bean said. “But I definitely think our coaches have been thinking about that and we trust that they’re gonna come up with a gameplan that’s gonna benefit everybody that’s on the court and help us score some points.”

Expect that gameplan to be feeding the ball to Queta, whose offensive prowess is often overlooked. He boasted an offensive rating of 104.5 last season, No. 6 in the conference, all while averaging 13.0 points per game and shooting 62.4% from the field. His touch around the rim is fantastic and his footwork and physical strength continue to grow every season. 

But his offensive value goes beyond his scoring ability. 

NEEMIAS. QUETA. IS. MARCH!

💪💪 @nemi1599#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/VduVQaqLjx

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) March 8, 2020

“The attention Neemy draws into the post-it relieves a lot of pressure for me as a shooter on the perimeter to be able to get open looks,” said Miller. “Neemy is such a willing passer and a very good passer so when he gets doubled-tripled teamed which happens every game he knows the spot he hits you right in the pocket.” 

Neemias Queta is the most experienced returner for the Aggies on both ends of the court and will have a pivotal role in every aspect of the game, including as a team leader. 

“He has a great heart and just makes everyone feel super important,” said Miller. “To have him back as a friend and also as a teammate on the court its really gonna help everyone’s game elevate.” 

“Just knowing that he’s not only going to be with us physically, protecting the paint and scoring on offense, but just a presence as a leader, and what he does for us off the court is going to be huge as well,” Bean said.

The Aggies will have to prepare for another demanding schedule next year, they return many much-needed qualities in Queta. Their defensive force. Their offensive magician. And their passionate leader. 

With (hopefully) a full off-season to improve his game and not to be stuck in rehab, expect Queta to lead the Aggies to where they want to go this upcoming season.

Brock Miller said it best. 

“He’s the difference-maker, and he’s gonna be helping us in a big way putting us in a position to win another championship.”

@jacobnielson12

— jacobnielson12@yahoo.com