By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Tony Parker’s LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is finalizing a deal with 32-year-old Joel Bolomboy, according to Eurohoops sources.
The veteran big and Donetsk native was highly sought after, prominently featuring on the shortlists of several other EuroLeague teams, but the French club’s tantalizing new project ultimately won him over.
A seasoned competitor with 204 games played in Europe’s premier club competition under his belt, Bolomboy spent last season with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, where he averaged 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 0.4 steals, and 0.3 assists per contest. His extensive career includes capturing a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championship with CSKA in 2019, alongside winning multiple domestic titles across Serbia and Greece.
Before focusing on the Old Continent, the Weber State standout was selected as the 52nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, later appearing in 20 games split between the Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks during the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons. Internationally, he has represented Russia on the global stage during the Qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup 2019 and EuroBasket 2022.
Furthermore, the explosive center spent developmental stints in the G League, showcasing his skills with the Salt Lake City Stars and the Wisconsin Herd. Following four seasons with CSKA in Russia, he enjoyed success during his one single year with Greek powerhouse Olympiacos, and from there took his talents to Zvezda.
Bolomboy’s arrival adds significant championship pedigree to a re-tooled roster coached by four-time NBA champion Parker, which has already been strengthened by the recent additions of Sylvain Francisco, Nick Weiler-Babb, and Both Gach.
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