Christian Koloko

Christian Junior Koloko (born 20 June 2000) is a Cameroonian professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 and was voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year after his junior season.

Early life Koloko is a native of Babouantou in the west region of Cameroon who grew up in Douala, Cameroon and attended Collège Libermann in his hometown. He grew up playing football and started playing basketball at age 12. In 2017, Koloko moved to the United States to play basketball for Birmingham High School in Lake Balboa, California as a junior, despite not speaking English at first. For his senior season, he transferred to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, where he was teammates with Cassius Stanley, Kenyon Martin Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr. Koloko helped his team claim its second straight Open Division state title.

College career As a freshman at Arizona, Koloko averaged 2.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. In his sophomore season, he averaged 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. On 21 November 2021, Koloko posted a career-high 22 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in an 80–62 win over fourth-ranked Michigan at the Roman Main Event title game, earning tournament MVP honors. As a junior, he was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Pac-12 Most Improved Player, and first-team All-Pac-12.

On 18 April 2022, Koloko declared for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

Professional career Toronto Raptors (2022–2024) Koloko was selected with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. On 26 August 2022, Koloko signed a rookie-scale contract with the Raptors. As a rookie, he appeared in 58 games, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, one block and 13.8 minutes per contest.

In April 2023, he developed a blood clot health issue that kept him on the sideline for half of the season. On 17 January 2024, Koloko was waived by the Raptors, as he wasn't cleared to play and the team was looking to make space on the roster after the Pascal Siakam trade. A day later, he was put into NBA's fitness-to-play panel due to the seriousness of the blood clot issue, meaning no teams can claim waiver to sign him until he is medically cleared to play.

Los Angeles Lakers (2024–2025) On 16 September 2024, Koloko signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, although he still needed to be medically cleared by the NBA and sign a risk waiver to return to the league. On 29 October 2024, he received clearance from the NBA's fitness-to-play panel to start practicing and return to play. On 6 November 2024, he made his Lakers debut against the Memphis Grizzlies with Anthony Davis unavailable to play and Christian Wood still recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. On 13 November 2024, Jaxson Hayes was diagnosed with a left ankle sprain, which increased Koloko's playing time.

On 26 November 2025, Koloko was waived by the Lakers, following the signing of Drew Timme.

Austin Spurs (2025) On 15 December 2025, Koloko was acquired from the player pool by the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League.

Memphis Grizzles (2025–2026) On 22 December 2025, Koloko signed a 10-day contract (hardship exception) with the Memphis Grizzlies due to injuries on the roster, adding depth at center. On 2 January 2026, Koloko signed a second 10-day contract with the Grizzlies.

Atlanta Hawks (2026) On 16 January 2026, Koloko signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, splitting time with their NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Career statistics

NBA

College