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Former USC Trojans basketball standout Chimezie Metu has inked a multi-year deal with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Metu signed a two-way contract with the team prior to the season, and it’s expected that the new agreement buys the Kings at least another year of the big man’s services.
“Chimezie has worked hard this season and done a terrific job to earn his place on the team,” Sacramento general manager Monte McNair said in the press release. “He provides toughness and energy to the group. We are happy to watch his career develop in a Kings uniform.”
It was a tough start to the season for Metu. He missed 17 games after suffering a fractured wrist in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in mid-February. Since returning, Metu has gained some more traction in head coach Luke Walton’s rotation. In the last 10 games, Metu has averaged 6.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Metu averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds over his three seasons with the Trojans. He was second-team All-Pac-12 his sophomore year before being named first-team All-Pac-12 for his junior campaign.
Metu was drafted in the second round (49th overall) by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 NBA Draft.