Neemias Queta: From Football Passion to Startup Investments

It's hardly news to the Portuguese public, especially his fans, as Neemias Queta has never hidden his passion for the sport from the beginning, particularly when he was younger.

However, with the 2026 World Cup currently underway, featuring most matches in the United States, and Queta having already attended some in person, the Portuguese center reconfirmed his love for the game in a brief interview with Slam, the renowned American basketball magazine, whose piece was also published online.

"Football was my first love. I used to play it growing up. I still play occasionally, mostly as a goalkeeper to avoid injuries. I think it's good for reflexes, for catching passes in the air," shared the Boston Celtics player in an article titled: Celtics Center Neemias Queta Also Competing in the Business World.

This refers to several investments made by the only Portuguese player in the NBA, including in the national startup Hoopers. This same company organizes the Neemias Queta Training Camp, aimed at young people aged 13 to 17, which will hold its third edition from July 27th to 30th at the Quinta dos Lombos Pavilion in Carcavelos. The project has also focused on rehabilitating and creating street courts, as well as the Hoopers League Pro-Am basketball circuit, which BOLA TV will broadcast again.

"Now that he's found his footing in the league, Queta is using his influence to inspire the next generation of Portuguese basketball players who might be torn between two loves," says journalist De Marco Williams. "'Football is undoubtedly the main sport there,' says Queta, who started playing basketball around age 10. 'But I feel like [basketball] has been growing lately. It's growing in terms of people actually playing in clubs. In my opinion, it's been a great change,'" the article reads, explaining his rationale for investing in youth camps during his off-season.

However, the Portuguese international's investments extend far beyond that, and André Costa, one of the founders and leaders of Hoopers, explains in the same article the areas Neemias is focusing on. And, surprisingly, they are indirectly related to his professional world: the NBA.

"'[Queta] managed to reach the biggest stage of all, which was very inspiring,'" states André, who is also behind Felton, an audience analytics platform used by some NBA teams and SLAM magazine to better understand their audience. The company is also involved in the NBA House, which the league promotes annually in Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, during the Finals. This event attracts tens of thousands of people, including former Brazilian basketball and football players, as well as other TV and music stars, throughout the day or to watch live games.

In fact, Neemias himself has already conducted basketball activities with children in Brazil and was invited to visit the Palmeiras training complex, where he spent the day with Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, who gave him a guided tour of the academy. The center even ended up taking some penalty shots against the Verdão goalkeeper.

"'In terms of values, hard work, and perseverance, I think he embodies everything we believe in as a company,'" emphasizes André, brother of Pedro Costa, who played for Illiabum last season after stints with Queluz, Galitos do Barreiro, Estoril Basket, and Barreirense.

The conversation also touched upon Neemias Queta's past season with the Celtics, his best ever since being drafted in 2021 by the Kings, where he spent his first two seasons before moving to Boston in 2023/24 and immediately becoming a champion.

"'We started the season quite tough, going 0-3,'" Queta recalled. "'And as we figured things out, we found a way to be more consistent with our process. It was a season full of growth. I think the main takeaway I have is that the future is bright,'" concluded the center, who finished the regular season averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 76 games, 75 of which he started. All career highs, to which seven playoff games can be added.