Christian Koloko goes international, gets selected by Toronto Raptors

He was the last Wildcat taken, but certainly not the least! Christian Koloko was the third Wildcat taken in the 2022 NBA Draft, selected No. 33 overall by the Toronto Raptors. 

No one arguably made a bigger jump with the Wildcats this past season than former Wildcat big man, Christian Koloko.

He came to Tucson a bit unknown and a bit under the radar; however, it was clear when you saw him play, that the potential was there.

Steadily making improvements year over year, things clicked with Koloko this past season when he assumed starting responsibilities as the Wildcats’ big man.

Playing himself into becoming one of the best big men in the country, Christian was a stud defensive player for the Wildcats, which is largely why he bolted for the draft following a terrific junior campaign.

Rumored to be a likely second-round pick, there was still a possibility he could sneak into the end of the first round, especially since the NBA Drafts largely on potential, and well, Koloko has lots of it!

On Thursday evening, while the festivities were taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, Christian patiently waited amongst family, friends, and piers.

And as the picks came and went, at No. 33 overall, Koloko finally heard his name called, being selected by the Toronto Raptors.

Joining fellow Wildcats Bennedict Mathurin and Dalen Terry as NBA Draft selections, former Wildcat Christian Koloko finds a home in Toronto.

Becoming the 77th Wildcat to be drafted into the NBA, Toronto is getting a raw, but quickly developing big man in Koloko.

And as a recap, here is who the Raptor will be getting!

Christian Koloko

Center
7’0″ / 221 lbs.
2022 NBA Draft Selection: 2nd Round, 33rd Pick (Toronto Raptors)

Christian Koloko developed into becoming one of the better centers in the draft this year, and as we saw in Tucson, he became one of the top rim protectors in college basketball this past season.

His athleticism and upside made him an intriguing prospect for many teams, especially as he will likely continue to improve on the offensive end, as well as be a solid defensive presence.

Given his potential, he should be a great fit in Toronto, and with continued offensive development, Christian could work his way into becoming an eventual starter or significant contributor.