Christian Koloko impresses in NBA debut with the Raptors

LAS VEGAS, NV – Making his NBA debut in the NBA Summer League action, former Wildcat Christian Koloko impressed with the Toronto Raptors.

The NBA Summer League action is in full swing, and just a day after Dalen Terry and Bennedict Mathurin made their successful debuts with their respective teams, it was finally time for Christian Koloko to make his.

Fresh off of being selected in the second round as the 33rd overall pick to the Toronto Raptors just weeks ago, the former Wildcat big has been seeking his opportunity to make an early impression.

Competing against fellow draft picks, undrafted free agents, and other NBA hopefuls, Christian shined just as his fellow Wildcats did the day before, also making a strong case to be a key role player this season.

Considered to be a bit more of a project player, Christian Koloko looked impressive in his first NBA action with the Toronto Raptors.

Suiting up for the Raptors in his highly anticipated Summer League debut, the No. 33 overall pick showed his defensive value and offensive upside as Toronto took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon.

Dazzling fans with his defensive prowess, high basketball IQ, and athleticism, Koloko impressed the fans in attendance, much like he once did in Tucson.

Logging 28 minutes, Koloko finished his day with an impressive 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks on 4 of 11 shooting while helping pace Toronto to the dominant, 97-77 win.

The former Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year was drafted because of his stellar defense and high upside in this league. And for 28 minutes on Saturday, that was fully displayed.

So far, our recently drafted Wildcats have been impressive, and hopefully, they can continue their stellar play.

NBA action resumes on Sunday afternoon when Bennedict Mathurin, Gabe York, and the Pacers take on the Kings at 12:00 P.M. (Arizona Time) on ESPN.

Dalen Terry and the Bulls will also return to action when they face off with the New York Knicks at 2:00 P.M. on ESPN2.