Chima Moneke’s Arrival in Vitoria-Gasteiz
When Chima Moneke signed with Baskonia in the summer of 2023, it didn’t exactly send shockwaves through the EuroLeague—at first. Fresh off a short stint with AS Monaco, the Nigerian forward seemed like a good fit, but nobody expected how quickly he’d become one of the league’s most talked-about players. Just 198 centimeters and 101 kilograms, but filled with energy, Moneke stepped into Baskonia’s frontcourt determined to make himself undroppable.
Baskonia didn’t hesitate to show their trust, handing Moneke a multi-year contract. The most talked-about detail? A €1.5 million buyout clause. That kind of number in a European context isn’t for bench warmers. It proved to be a double-edged sword—keeping rival clubs at bay, but also adding pressure to live up to a price tag rarely seen outside of NBA transfers.
A Standout on the Court
Stepping onto the court, Moneke’s impact was immediate. His mix of power, agility, and basketball IQ made him a constant threat, and his statistics backed it up. Across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 EuroLeague campaigns, he put up averages that most coaches dream of: 13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. It wasn’t just about scoring points. Moneke was everywhere—grabbing boards, fighting for loose balls, and closing out on shooters.
Baskonia saw a transformation with him in the power forward position. His ability to switch on defense meant the team could play more aggressively, while his rim runs and fast-break finishes brought an extra spark. The fans at Fernando Buesa Arena certainly took notice, voting him as a favorite in various polls and flooding social media with highlights of his monster dunks and hustle plays—even if official All-EuroLeague honors managed to elude him.
That buyout clause, once a badge of honor, started to look like a barrier for other teams. During his last run at Baskonia, there was serious interest from clubs across Europe and even a few glances from the States, but the financial hurdle kept most bids theoretical. It was clear: Chima Moneke was not going to leave Vitoria-Gasteiz for just any offer.
Yet, like all good basketball stories, this chapter had to end. Moneke wrapped up his Baskonia contract after two eventful seasons, leaving as not just a top performer, but a player whose work ethic and attitude shifted the locker room’s culture.
Then came the scoop that caught fans’ eyes—Moneke inked a fresh two-year deal with Serbian powerhouse Crvena Zvezda in June 2025. His journey rolls on, but those years in Baskonia will stand as the launching pad that took him from promising role player to EuroLeague star, proving you don’t need an official trophy to win the respect of a league.
Eric DE FONDAUMIERE
July 11, 2025 AT 18:38Moneke’s hustle is exactly why teams chase those buyouts; his energy on the floor is contagious and he definately inspires his teammates.
Every time he crashes the boards you can feel the shift in momentum.
Pauline Herrin
July 12, 2025 AT 00:11While the statistics presented are indeed commendable, the narrative tends to overstate his overall impact relative to league‑wide performance metrics.
A more measured assessment would consider his defensive rating and usage rate.
pradeep kumar
July 12, 2025 AT 05:45He delivers, but the hype lacks substance.
love monster
July 12, 2025 AT 11:18From a coaching perspective, Moneke adds valuable spacing for the pick‑and‑roll, improves rim protection, and his off‑ball movement creates second‑chance opportunities.
His hustle plays also raise the team’s defensive intensity, which is a key factor in modern EuroLeague schemes.
Christian Barthelt
July 12, 2025 AT 16:51The €1.5 million buyout is markedly inflated; comparable power forwards in the league secure similar performance levels for considerably less financial commitment.
Ify Okocha
July 12, 2025 AT 22:25Most fans conveniently ignore the glaring inefficiency in his per‑36 numbers, particularly his turnover ratio which undercuts any perceived offensive contribution.
William Anderson
July 13, 2025 AT 03:58Moneke’s tenure reads like a tragic opera of expectations and fleeting glory, a dramatic arc where the soaring crescendo of hype collapses into a quiet, unremarkable finale.
Sherri Gassaway
July 13, 2025 AT 09:31One could argue his legacy serves as a mirror reflecting the transient nature of fame, an ever‑shifting tableau where today’s star becomes tomorrow’s footnote.
Milo Cado
July 13, 2025 AT 15:05Congratulations to Moneke on securing a new two‑year deal with Crvena Zvezda! 🎉 This move could unlock fresh horizons and further solidify his standing in the EuroLeague.