Chima Moneke reveals bet with Partizan players, names toughest coach he's worked with / News - Basketnews.com

Chima Moneke disclosed what James Nunnally and Zach LeDay told him before he shot the crucial free throws in Baskonia's win over Partizan. He also referred to the offer he had from the Serbian giants and named the three teams that have impressed him so far.

Credit: Aitor Arrizabalaga/EuroLeague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga/EuroLeague Basketball via Getty Images

Chima Moneke hit the free throws that allowed Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Partizan Mozzart Bet for EuroLeague Round 6.

Chima Moneke

MIN:22.38PTS:17.2 (59.3%)REB:6.6As:1ST:1.6BL:0.8TO:1.2GM:5ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

Moneke grabbed an offensive rebound from Alen Smailagic and Ognjen Jaramaz, drew a foul, and then hit two free throws in cold blood, despite the attempts of Zach LeDay and James Nunnally to meddle with the Nigerian's mind.

"This moment at the end of the match against Partizan has already become one of my favorites in my career," Moneke admitted in an interview with Mozzart Sport.

"It's the essence of sport, of competition. That's why we all watch basketball and enjoy sports. One team in all possible ways wants to keep the advantage and come to the victory they fought for the previous 40 minutes, and then all the pressure is on the opponent to try to turn it around. An amazing situation that I will remember," the player added.

While the referees reviewed the footage to determine how much time remained until the end of the game, Nunnaly and LeDay tried to increase the pressure on Moneke, who had missed two free throws before that.

"I think everyone could see what we were talking about," the 2022 BCL MVP said.

"They said I certainly wouldn't make both free throws, and I replied that there was no way I would miss. In the end, we made a bet. We bet on my monthly salary that I will hit both," he revealed.

"I expect payment when I come to the match in Belgrade to play against Partizan. That's why I showed the dollar sign after the game," Moneke laughed.

Soon after the game was over, Moneke was overwhelmed by messages from fans.

"I don't know how many messages I got. From Partizan, even Crvena Zvezda fans who wanted to thank me. Again, it's a sport. A really special game to remember. In the end, I'm glad I was able to help the team".

Chima Moneke

Team:Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizPosition:PFAge:27Height:198 cmWeight:101 kgBirth place:Abuja, NigeriaProfileNewsStatistics

Moneke, who appeared in two games with the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23, was allegedly targeted by Partizan during that season.

"When I was leaving Sacramento, my agent told me that Partizan was one of the teams that showed interest in me," he said.

"However, then the club said that they had never heard of me and that it was not true that they wanted me which is really strange because I would never make up something like that. I really have nothing to lie about, I just said what the agent was telling me at the time. I am now a Baskonia player and I am very pleased here," Moneke clarified.

"I think Partizan is a great club that works in the best possible way," the 27-year-old big man continued.

"Of course, everyone talks about the atmosphere at their games, it's something I can't wait to experience. I have never played in Serbia before and the matches against Partizan and Red Star are definitely something I can't wait to experience. I often got messages from Partizan fans to come to their club, probably because I talked commendably about them, above all about Dante Exum and Mathias Lessort," he argued.

With Dusko Ivanovic having taken over Baskonia, the Montenegrin coach has inevitably become the focal point because ofhis method of work.

"I've heard rumors, I think everyone has heard those rumors, but honestly, at least for the first few days of my career, it's nothing I haven't seen before," Moneke opined.

"By far the toughest and toughest training sessions were with coach Pedro Martinez in Manresa. They have prepared me for everything else that has happened in my career and I am always someone who is ready to work and practice".

After six rounds, the fight in the EuroLeague has already heated up. Moneke said he was impressed to watchBarcelona, Virtus and Valencia.

"They're playing great basketball, but I think a lot of interesting things will happen this season. There are a lot of clubs that have really good teams and I am aware that we are all facing a big fight."

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