AS Monaco has signed D’Tigers power forward Chima Moneke till the end of the 2023/24 season.

Moneke joined Monaco who compete in the French top-tier level LNB Pro A and the EuroLeague. Moneke was recently waived by NBA side Sacramento Kings.

 He made just two appearances for the NBA side scoring two points in a 130-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on November 17. Despite having limited time in the NBA, Moneke made a mark in the G-League with the Stockton Kings where he averaged 17.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 16 games. 

Many had thought the Nigerian would decide to stay in the United States, play for a G-League team and work his way back to the NBA but Moneke says he choose to join the French side because of the interest they showed in him. 

“I chose Monaco because the coach, the general manager and the president directly showed great interest in me. I felt wanted by the club and they thought I could really contribute to this team. They immediately seduced me and in addition the objectives are high. The idea of living in Monaco also appealed to me enormously, I want to live a peaceful and happy life,” Moneke told the club website.

“I think that my energy and my athletic abilities will help the team and they will allow me to make my place also in a group which has enormous qualities.

“Without me, this team already has a lot of potential, but with me I am convinced that it will be even better. This is what I want to show people in France and in Europe.”