Ulrich Chomche

Last updated

Ulrich Chomche
Ulrich Chomche.jpg
Chomche in 2023
Toronto Raptors
Position Center / power forward
League NBA
Personal information
Born (2005-12-30) 30 December 2005 (age 18)
Bafang, Cameroon
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight232 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High school NBA Academy Africa
(Saly, Senegal)
NBA draft 2024: 2nd round, 57th overall pick
Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
Playing career2022–present
Career history
2022 FAP
2023 REG
Career highlights and awards

Ulrich Kamka Chomche (born 30 December 2005) is a Cameroonian professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). At 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), he plays the center and power forward positions. A member of the NBA Academy Africa, Chomche has been labeled by ESPN as the best Cameroonian prospect of his generation, and the best since Joel Embiid. [1]

Contents

Early life

Chomche was born in Bafang, in the West Province of Cameroon, and picked up basketball at age 11 due to peer pressure because he was the tallest kid in his neighborhood. One year later, he joined the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal and started studying English. [1] Chomche played at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders camp in Cairo and was named the Defensive MVP among boys at the camp. [1] [2]

Professional career

Chomche made his debut in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) at age 16 in 2022, playing for Cameroonian club FAP under the BAL Elevate program. This program allocated players from the NBA Academy Africa to professional teams. He averaged 2.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game, [3] and was part of FAP's run to fourth place. [4] On 16 April, he grabbed a career-high seven rebounds against Petro de Luanda. [4]

The next year, in 2023, Chomche was drafted by the Rwandan team REG to play in his second consecutive BAL season. During the tournament, he received praise from former NBA player Joakim Noah. [1]

In March 2024, Chomche was drafted by Rwandan club APR for the 2024 BAL season. [5]

On 15 April 2024, Chomche declared for the 2024 NBA draft. [6]

National team career

In February 2023, Chomche was first selected for theCameroon senior national team for the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. [7] He made his debut on 24 February 2023 in Alexandria, playing eight minutes in an 85–56 win over DR Congo. [8] [9]

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

BAL

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2022 FAP 7111.3.304.2003.7.1.31.62.1
2023 REG 6019.0.345.125.5454.8.71.01.04.5

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Cameroon's best prospect since Embiid? Ulrich Chomche is Him". ESPN.com. 17 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  2. "Egyptian Elalfy and Darlan of CAF named BWB Africa camp MVPs". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  3. "Ulurich Chomche Player Profile, REG - RealGM". basketball.realgm.com. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 "Cameroon: FAP Basketballer Ulrich Chomche Writing His Story One Step At A Time - PAN AFRICAN VISIONS". 15 August 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  5. "Top NBA Draft prospects land on new BAL teams". ESPN.com. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  6. "NBA Academy Africa center Ulrich Chomche declares for 2024 NBA draft". Yahoo Sports. 16 April 2024. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  7. "Final rosters confirmed ahead of Window 6 of the 2023 African Qualifiers". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  8. "Cameroon v Congo DR boxscore - FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers - 24 February". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  9. "FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 27 March 2023.