As the NBA draft approaches, there are many different things the Milwaukee Bucks could do on draft night. They could go several different ways with their pick (24th overall), or they might trade the pick as well. Only time will tell what they do with the pick, but one player to keep an eye on who they may potentially select is Christian Koloko out of Arizona. Here is a look at what he brings to the table as well as his fit with the Bucks.
Christian Koloko
- College: Arizona
- Position: Big
- Height: 7’1″
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Stats: 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game
- 64 percent from the field, 74 percent from the line
Milwaukee Bucks Draft Scouting Report: Christian Koloko – Strengths
Defense
Christian Koloko is a mobile and athletic big who can really protect the rim. At 7’1″ with a 7’4″ wingspan, he can alter shots around the basket extremely well, averaging 4.3 blocks per 40 minutes and had one of the better block rates in the country at 10.3 percent. Koloko’s mobility and ability to easily change directions allows him to have some upside in terms of defensive versatility as well, and he can hold his own at times against guards and wings on the perimeter. He is also continuing to gain strength since his freshman year and has become a better post defender as a result. Koloko was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and should be a good defender at the next level who can have an impact in a variety of ways.
Finishing
On offense, Koloko operates as a traditional big who excels as a finisher on the interior, shooting 72 percent around the basket and ranking in the 93rd percentile as a finisher, per Synergy. He throws down a lot of dunks and lobs and also has a nice hook shot out of the post that he shot 59 percent on. Ranking in the 93rd percentile in terms of total post offense, Koloko has shown he can score and pass effectively there when needed. He was also solid as a roll man out of the pick-and-roll, ranking in the 72nd percentile as a scorer there. Koloko is a fluid athlete for his size, able to navigate traffic and finish effectively (primarily with dunks). He probably won’t have a large offensive role in the NBA, but he can do what you need out of a traditional big.
Midrange Potential
Although Christian Koloko is likely to have a limited offensive role, he has shown signs of developing a jumper. On the limited number of jumpers that Koloko attempted last year, he looked pretty smooth, going 9-for-18. Every year of his college career he took slightly more jumpers and shot a better percentage, and the same goes for his free throws. Free throws are typically a good indicator of a player’s potential as a shooter and their overall touch, and Koloko was a solid 73.5 percent from the line last season. Koloko is improving on his jumper, and if he can develop a reliable midrange it could make him more of an offensive weapon.
Improvement
Koloko is rapidly improving in a number of ways. For one, he is continuing to grow and get stronger, gaining 15 pounds since his freshman season, which should help him on both ends. As just mentioned, his shooting has continued to improve every year, and he just continues to develop as a player despite already being almost 22 years old. Last season, Koloko won the Pac-12 Most Improved Player award, and it looks like he will continue to improve and develop upon reaching the NBA.