While the Cleveland Cavaliers were looking to force their way back into the NBA finals series against the Golden State Warriors, Chima Moneke was in Los Angeles preparing to test himself for a different franchise.
The Canberra product will work out for the Sacramento Kings next week as he looks to force his way into one of the globe's most prominent sporting leagues.
Chima Moneke is refusing to let his chance slip.
Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong
The golden opportunity comes as Canberra's hometown hero Moneke edges closer towards the 2018 NBA draft on June 22 (AEST).
The 22-year-old made a name for himself on the United States college basketball scene at the University of California, Davis, having led the Aggies to a March Madness debut last year.
Now his stint at the Aggies has created the perfect storm with Moneke set to have a long-awaited workout with the Kings.
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"The Kings are more familiar with me than any other team in the league given the location and all of that so its a huge opportunity for me to take advantage of," Moneke said.
"They obviously know about me because Davis is right next to Sacramento, so Ive been on their radar for a while. It is finally just the right time for me to work out with them.
"Every team is different but its mainly a lot of shooting, then one-on-ones, two-on-twos, three-on-threes, and then some type of conditioning.
"Thats what Ive heard, a lot of conditioning to finish off. A lot of shooting and a lot of endurance."
It comes after a superb showing at an NBA pro day last Wednesday in front of representatives from almost, if not every franchise.
Moneke has been working with renowned NBA trainer Drew Hanlen alongside a handful of draft hopefuls in Los Angeles.
Unlike many of them, Moneke's basketball career has been anything but orthodox – he emailed at least 300 schools when he was trying to get a scholarship in the first place.
He almost gave up before a recruiter from Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska, came knocking.
Soon enough the goggle-wearing cult hero transferred to UC Davis and became a household name, awarded the Big West's most valuable player gong and playing in college basketball's most prized tournament.
He has had his fair share of doubters along the way and while some may think Moneke is silencing them all, he is refusing to rest on his laurels.
"I dont feel like Ive done anything yet," Moneke said.
"I feel like I will be able to prove people wrong when I do sign a contract, when they do see me play. At the end of the day people care about what they see, they see a lot of talk and Id rather prove it to you.
"Ill be able to prove people wrong when Im on the court, when I get a contract and when Im playing.
"I cant wait to see what happens. It gives me a lot of confidence when I hear NBA people talk about me and say good things about me, [the pro day] definitely was a great day."
Caden Helmers is a sports reporter for The Canberra Times
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