Joel Bolomboy


Joel Bolomboy is a Russian professional basketball player for CSKA Moscow of the VTB United League and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Weber State Wildcats, where he was named Big Sky Conference Player of the Year in 2016. He was born in Ukraine but received Russian citizenship in 2018.

Early life and college career

Bolomboy was born in Donetsk, Ukraine to a Congolese father and a Russian mother of Tatar origin, went to high school at Keller Central High School in Fort Worth, Texas, and chose Weber State for college despite interest from larger schools such as Clemson, Auburn and Florida State. During his college career, Bolomboy became the all-time leading rebounder in Weber State and Big Sky Conference history.
While always a strong rebounder, Bolomboy increased his scoring average in the 2015–16 season, averaging 17.9 points per game to go along with 12.8 rebounds per game. Following the season, Bolomboy was named first-team All-Big Sky Conference, as well as the league's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Professional career

Utah Jazz (2016–2017)

On June 23, 2016, Bolomboy was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 52nd pick in the 2016 NBA draft. On August 19, 2016, he signed with the Jazz. He made his NBA debut on October 30, 2016, recording three points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and one block in four minutes off the bench in an 88–75 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. During his rookie season, Bolomboy had multiple assignments with the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah's D-League affiliate. In 26 games with the Stars, he averaged 16.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per contest.
On October 16, 2017 Bolomboy was waived by the Jazz.

Milwaukee Bucks / Wisconsin Herd (2017–2018)

On October 20, 2017, Bolomboy signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks via their NBA G League affiliate the Wisconsin Herd. Throughout the length of his deal, he would split his playing time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate. However, Bolomboy would be waived from the team on January 7, 2018, after signing Xavier Munford to a two-way contract of his own accord. On January 10, 2018, Bolomboy was reacquired by the Wisconsin Herd.

CSKA Moscow (2018–present)

Bolomboy was acquired by CSKA Moscow of the VTB United League on August 8, 2018, signing a three-year deal. On March 2, 2020, he signed a two-year extension with the club.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

EuroLeague