Ulrich Chomche Bio
Ulrich Kamka Chomche (born 30 December 2005) is a Cameroonian professional basketball player who last played for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. At 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), he plays the center position. A graduate of the NBA Academy Africa, Chomche is the first former Basketball Africa League (BAL) player to be drafted into the NBA. He has been labeled by ESPN as the best Cameroonian prospect of his generation, and the best since Joel Embiid.
Early Life and Background
Ulrich Chomche was born in Bafang, in the West Province of Cameroon. He began playing basketball at the age of 11, initially due to peer pressure as he was the tallest child in his neighborhood. A year later, he joined the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, where he also started learning English. Chomche participated in the 2022 Basketball Without Borders camp held in Cairo, where he was recognized as the Defensive MVP among boys at the camp.
Path to Basketball
Chomche made his debut in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) at the young age of 16 in 2022, playing for the Cameroonian club FAP under the BAL Elevate program. This initiative allocated players from the NBA Academy Africa to professional teams. During his time with FAP, he averaged 2.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game and contributed to FAP’s fourth-place finish in the tournament. On April 16, 2022, he achieved a career-high seven rebounds in a game against Petro de Luanda. In 2023, he was drafted by the Rwandan team REG to play in his second consecutive BAL season, where he received praise from former NBA player Joakim Noah.
Ulrich Chomche Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Chomche’s early career began with his participation in the BAL with FAP in 2022. He made a significant impact despite his young age, showcasing his potential as a player. The following year, he continued to develop his skills with REG in the BAL, further establishing himself in the competitive landscape of African basketball.
Breakthrough (2024)
On April 15, 2024, Chomche declared for the 2024 NBA draft, becoming the youngest player in the draft. He was selected with the 57th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies on June 27, 2024, but was immediately traded to the Toronto Raptors. This marked a historic moment as he became the first NBA Academy Africa prospect to be drafted and the first player drafted directly from any NBA Academy. On July 10, 2024, he signed a two-way contract with the Raptors. In his debut season, he played in seven games for Toronto, averaging 0.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. However, on February 19, 2025, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a partial proximal MCL tear in his right knee.
Notable Works and Milestones
Chomche’s signature achievement includes being selected for the Nike Hoop Summit in 2024. His journey from the NBA Academy Africa to the NBA has been a remarkable milestone in his career, highlighting his potential and talent on the court.
Ulrich Chomche Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ulrich Chomche has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time in the Basketball Africa League and his selection for the Nike Hoop Summit.
Ulrich Chomche Awards Won
Chomche’s notable achievements include being named the Defensive MVP at the Basketball Without Borders camp in 2022 and his selection for the Nike Hoop Summit in 2024.
Ulrich Chomche Family
Information regarding Ulrich Chomche’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Ulrich Chomche’s personal life, including relationships and children, are not publicly disclosed.