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.
