Chima Moneke reveals obstacles that nearly prevented him from playing vs. Zvezda / News - Basketnews.com

Chima Moneke overcame passport issues, revealing a midnight arrival and emotional Stark Arena debut.

Credit: Aitor Arrizabalaga via Getty Images Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga via Getty Images

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz forward Chima Moneke faced a challenging day leading up to the EuroLeague Round 22 game against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Chima Moneke Points 13 Accuracy 5-8 Rebounds 12 Assists 3

Despite passport issues and a late arrival, Moneke showcased resilience on Thursday night, posting a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in 32 and a half minutes.

His big-time performance included a game-winning hustle play as he dove for a loose ball.

"Just an amazing game. It was my first time playing in Stark Arena. It was very emotional and crazy," Moneke told EuroLeague TV after a nail-biting 91-90 win in Belgrade. "Honestly, what makes this very emotional, I am not even supposed to be here. I was stuck in the airport for seven hours yesterday. Some issue with my passport. I got to my hotel at 1:00-1:15 am, I did not think I would play this game. Very tiring.

"I am just proud of us," he went on to say. "You know, Markus Howard carried us today offensively. Obviously, I was tired at the end, so I could not be aggressive, but I feel like great players make plays when they are not scoring, just off the ball. That is why I pride myself on helping the team in any way."

With this hard-fought win, Baskonia improved to a 12-10 record, securing a spot in the Play-In zone.

Game highlights:

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