Rafael Lisboa: “Playing with Neemias is incredible”

Following last week's victories in Istanbul against Egypt (91-87) and Lebanon (82-90), the national team faces an enticing challenge this Friday (8:00 PM) as they take on Spain in Zaragoza. This match marks the start of the second qualification phase for the Qatar 2027 World Cup.

The 'Lynxes' have only defeated Spain once in their history (74-76), back in August 2025, during a friendly in Malaga that served as preparation for EuroBasket 2025. Two days later, they were beaten (64-63) by Spain B, with coach Mário Gomes rotating the squad, leading to a weaker performance and the precautionary absence of Neemias Queta after he picked up an injury in the previous game.

A year later, Portugal once again faces the world's 6th-ranked team, 4th in Europe, and leader of Group I. This clash will mark Neemias Queta's return to the national team for official matches. Alongside him will be Rafael Lisboa, a former Benfica teammate who has accompanied the Celtics' center in the national team since their youth development stages, consistently featuring in the Portuguese coach's selections.

“So far, we've had good preparation work. Neemias is integrating well, and so is Rúben [Prey]. Both of them have played with us before, but Neemias for a longer period in the European Championship. It's an easy integration. They are two players who adapt well, and we all feel comfortable,” says the point guard, also referring to the St. John's University center from New York, who, like Queta, will only be available for the matches against Spain and Georgia — on Monday, in Matosinhos — before returning to the United States.

“The system flows with them, and obviously, we become much stronger because they are two players who make a difference and two weapons that improve the team. But, otherwise, in terms of systems, everything is the same, and the game doesn't change just because they've integrated. We simply play the same way, but with more quality,” emphasizes the player who moved from Ourense to Alicante (Primera FEB) this season, where he will complete his fourth year in Spanish basketball.

Regarding playing alongside Neemias and being able to easily assist someone above the rim, 26-year-old Rafael says, “It's incredible! It makes our job easier because there's a lot of space, and we just have to throw the ball near the rim, and he'll finish it. For a player like me, it's even more comfortable because defenses often adapt to him, which frees up my shots a bit more.”

“Of course, playing with or without him isn't the same, but in terms of game fluidity and the comfort of teammates, it's identical. Neemias makes our lives easier, both as a team and individually. He attracts a lot of defensive attention. If they come to defend us, I can assist; if they focus more on him, I have the chance to be more open for shots I might not otherwise get. He's a help everywhere, with or without the ball,” he states.

At the Príncipe Felipe Pavilion in Zaragoza, Lisboa will face several players who play in Spain, but it will be a somewhat different squad from the one he encountered a year ago. This team will feature Hugo González (Neemy's teammate at the Celtics) and some of the recently NBA-drafted Spaniards, with only Santi Aldama (Grizzlies) absent, recovering from knee surgery.

For those who closely follow Spanish basketball, what can be expected? “It will be an extremely tactical and physical game. They are known for having these two aspects very well developed, and when they bring their main players, they become even stronger. Moreover, we beat them last summer, so they will certainly come with heightened attention. And that's good; it shows that teams increasingly respect us and cannot be complacent, as we are always a threat — this is our job,” analyzes Rafael Lisboa, who is part of the world's 45th-ranked team and Europe's 24th.

“Spain is a team with a lot of quality. There's no need to list individual players, but the truth is we compete very well, and we've already beaten a team that played with the same quality. González wasn't there, and some of the now-drafted NBA players were on the B team, while the rest of the squad was the one from the EuroBasket. But we are ready for the fight. It will be complicated, but it will be for them too. I believe it will be a good game,” he concluded.