WATCH: Highlights of new Arizona commit Christian Koloko

You can see why the Wildcats’ coaching staff is intriguing by him

New Arizona Wildcats commit Christian Koloko only started playing organized basketball a few years ago, so he is considered a project by talent evaluators.

Still, there is no doubt he has the tools to be a formidable post presence for the UA down the road. The 7-footer is quick and bouncy with 7-4 wingspan to boot, using that to rebound and block/alter shots.

Koloko can even step out and hit jumpers, though that is a part of his game that still needs refining, as do many other areas. The Cameroonian also needs to add weight, since he clocks in anywhere from 170 to 200 pounds depending on the source.

It’s why Koloko is only a three-star prospect, but the hope is that Arizona can develop him into a much-needed paint presence. The Wildcats have only finished Top 60 in block percentage once in the Sean Miller era, which occurred this past season thanks to Deandre Ayton, who emerged as a rim-protector late in the year.

The good news is shot-blocking is something redshirt junior Chase Jeter excels at, and perhaps Koloko can take over that role when Jeter graduates, setting the Wildcats up for defensive success for years to come. (It’s a part of the game they have surprisingly struggled at in the past few seasons.)

But before we get too ahead of ourselves, here are some of Koloko’s highlights from the 2018 Peach Jam when he was playing for the Oakland Soldiers:

Koloko also had offers from Cal, Creighton and Vanderbilt among others. 247Sports composite rankings place him as the No. 161 player in his class.

He will play for Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California this season. He had been attending Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, California before that.

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