Who is Christian Koloko? Evaluating his career trajectory so far

Christian Koloko is one of the most promising young players in the NBA. He was the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and was selected by the Toronto Raptors.

Koloko is a seven-footer who is a decent scorer, rebounder and a great shot blocker. Unfortunately, he was ejected in his third professional basketball game as he got into a scuffle with Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat.

This article will reveal everything you need to know about Christian Koloko and his basketball career so far. While many NBA fans are not familiar with the Raptors center, he could soon become a household name.

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Christian Koloko played college basketball at Arizona

Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds, Christian Koloko is a force to be reckoned with. His 7-foot-5 wingspan is incredible and he's also very mobile for his size and position.

Koloko did not get much recognition from scouts early on, but he's eventually become a great rim protector and finisher. While it's still too early to say how good he will be in the NBA, Raptors fans expect him to turn into a decent player.

Koloko could become a great role player in the NBA (Image via Getty Images)

Koloko is from Cameroon and this is where he started playing basketball. He moved to the United States in 2017 where he played basketball for Birmingham High School in Lake Balboa, California.

He eventually transferred to Sierra Canyon School, which has become notable for having Bronny James. As a four-star recruit, Christian Koloko committed to playing for the Arizona Wildcats in 2019.

The big man did not have a great season as a freshman. He averaged only 2.3 points and 2.4 rebounds during his first season at Arizona. However, he increased his numbers to 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in his sophomore season.

Koloko was a late bloomer in college (Image via Getty Images)

In his third and final year with the Wildcats, the talented player averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. He was also incredibly efficient from the field, converting 63.5% of his total shots.

Thanks to his incredible performances, Koloko was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player. The young player was also selected for the first-team All-Pac-12.

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NBA career with Toronto Raptors

Christian Koloko attended the 2022 NBA Summer League and was very promising. In five appearances, the big man averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 2.2 blocks.

The 22-year-old center spent 15 minutes on the floor in the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Toronto Raptors ended up winning the game by three points and Koloko had three points, six rebounds, and a block.

Christian Koloko is a great versatile player (Image via Getty Images)

The big man spent almost 20 minutes on the floor in the second game for the Raptors. In a four-point loss against the Brooklyn Nets, Christian Koloko scored a point, grabbed two rebounds, and had a blocked shot. He also had five fouls.

Koloko's last game was against the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, he was ejected after 12 minutes on the floor. The 7-foot-1 center was scoreless against the Heat, but he managed to snatch two rebounds.