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OGDEN — Weber State forward Joel Bolomboy showcased his skills for the entire nation against Arizona in the NCAA tournament.
Now, he’ll have the chance to prove himself in front of the entire world. Bolomboy has been invited by the Ukrainian national team to try out for the squad in preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in September.
Bolomboy, who earned this past season’s Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year Award, was born in territory that is now in Ukraine, so he is eligible to try out for the squad.
Ukraine is coached by TNT basketball analyst Mike Fratello, who coached the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies. Bolomboy said he is excited for the experience of playing international basketball.
Bolomboy recorded 11 double-doubles for Weber State last season.
“This is a great honor and opportunity for me,” Bolomboy said in a press release from the school. “I’m looking forward to the whole experience and being able to play against really good competition. It will be a great learning experience for me.”
Bolomboy is already being considered as an NBA prospect by various league sources, and could have a chance to play against current NBA talent if he makes the Ukrainian team. Ukraine is playing in the same group as the Dominican Republic, Finland, New Zealand, Turkey and the United States.
In a press release, Weber State coach Randy Rahe said Bolomboy will benefit from playing top-level competition.
“It’s a terrific opportunity for Joel to try out for the national team,” Rahe said. “He’s excited for the opportunity and we’re excited for him. If he makes the team, he’ll have a chance to play against some of the best players in the world in one of the biggest tournaments in the world. It’s a great opportunity for him, not only to continue his development as a basketball player, but a great experience to travel and see the world and to play with different players and coaches. It’s a great experience for him to grow as a person and a player.”
