Mountain West Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)
By Joey Loose
3. Neemias Queta
A 7’0 center from Portugal, Queta would play a significant role in Utah State’s recent emergence, starring for three seasons under head coach Craig Smith. Queta’s three years in Provo coincided with Smith’s run as head coach, and the Aggies program did a lot of winning during that time.
Monumental already as a freshman, he’d average 11.8 points and 8.9 rebounds a game to guide the Aggies to MWC regular season and tournament titles. The pandemic shortened his sophomore season, though not before Utah State won another MWC Tournament crown. In his junior season, he’d help guide the Aggies to another 20-win season and a second trip to the NCAA Tournament all while averaging a double-double, putting up 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Queta’s work was incredible, establishing himself as the best frontcourt weapon in the MWC and as a major defensive stalwart. He was MWC Rookie of the Year in 2019, was twice named Defensive Player of the Year, and guided Utah State to a flurry of victories and success. Not only did he lead the MWC in field goal percentage and rebounding as a junior, but he also led the nation with his 97 blocks. As a result, he was an early second-round draft pick in 2021 and continued his career at the professional level.