By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Born in Donetsk, Ukraine by a Congolese father and a Russian mother, the 24 years-old Joel Bolomboy moved to the USA when he was just four years old.
He got the American citizenship, but now the 56th pick of the 2016 NBA draft is also getting a Russian passport and he signed a two-year contract with CSKA Moscow.
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach, said about his new player: “We’ve been following Joel for quite a long time. It is important that he wishes also to play for the Russian National Team and develop as a player in the CSKA environment. We got the player who can cover the power forward and center positions. His determination, desire to work and willingness to improve are very important. Certainly, Joel needs time to adjust to European basketball after playing in NCAA, NBA and G-League, to understand all CSKA demands, but we are here to help him make this step. We are happy to have him on our team and we are looking forward to working together”.
Joel Bolomboy added: “I’m very excited to join the CSKA club. Growing up as a kid it was always a dream to play for the NBA or also the great CSKA Moscow because of my family history. Now I will finally have a chance to do so. It means a lot to me because my mother is from Russia and we have roots here. I look forward to this experience, learning a lot and growing as a young player on and off the court and to this new journey in my career. I also look forward to being a part of a great organization, coaching staff and team”.