Christian Koloko: A Journey from Cameroon to the NBA

Christian Koloko's path to the NBA is a story of resilience and adaptability. Born in Douala, Cameroon, he spent his early years in Central Africa, attending Collège Libermann. His journey took a significant turn when he moved to the United States in 2017, enrolling at Birmingham High School in California. Despite not knowing English initially, he thrived, showcasing his talent on the basketball court. Koloko's high school career culminated at Sierra Canyon, where he played alongside notable teammates like Kenyon Martin Jr. and Scotty Pippen Jr. His impressive performance earned him multiple college offers, and he chose the University of Arizona. There, he excelled, earning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Pac-12 Most Improved Player, and first-team All-Pac-12 honors. His success continued when he entered the 2022 NBA draft, although he was selected in the second round by the Toronto Raptors. Koloko's time in Canada was brief, as he faced a life-threatening blood clot issue that required medical clearance. Despite this setback, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he filled in for Jaxson Hayes at the start of the season. However, his time with the Lakers was short-lived. To make room for Drew Timme, the Lakers had to clear a two-way contract spot, and Koloko was let go. Koloko's religious beliefs are not widely publicized, but he has shared posts on Instagram about finding strength in God during his medical crisis and when he was signed by the Lakers. His spiritual strength may be what keeps him going as he navigates his current situation without a team.