3 reasons Raptors fans should get hyped over Christian Koloko

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors poses (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors poses (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 16: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

2. His connection with Pascal Siakam

Koloko will become just the fifth Cameroonian NBA player in history when he makes his debut. The fact that he is starting his career alongside Siakam, with whom Koloko shares a very personal connection intertwined with his homeland, is going to make his rise even more fun to follow.

Siakam remains an influential force in Cameroon, both through inspiring hope and providing more tangible assistance through charity. Koloko and Siakam have known each other for years, which could help establish an indomitable frontcourt for years to come.

Christian Koloko and Pascal Siakam will both help the Toronto Raptors.

Siakam is many things, but he could stand to be a bit more dominant in the restricted area as a rim protector. One way to guard against Siakam’s shortcomings in that area is a 7-foot freak athlete with the power needed to hold opposing big men at bay.

Far be it from me to suggest that Koloko and Siakam will have similar levels of success in the NBA. However, Siakam was able to make the jump from New Mexico State to NBA stardom. With so much college pedigree, Koloko could learn at the feet of Siakam and unleash his skills on an unweary league relatively soon.