Ulrich Chomche is a project.
The Toronto Raptors drafted Chomche with the 57th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Toronto is hoping he can develop into a solid big man, something they haven’t had luck with over the last few years.
The Raptors were never able to develop Precious Achiuwa into the player they thought he could become. Meanwhile, Christian Koloko who the Raptors drafted No. 33 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft was waived last year following a blood clotting issue. Jontay Porter who got an opportunity with the Raptors had his NBA career come to an abrupt end when he was banned due to a betting scandal.
Chomche is 18-years-old and he is a super raw prospect. He made his preseason debut against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 6 and had 3 turnovers in 6 minutes of action, but he did score 2 points on a put-back dunk. He also had 2 assists, including a nice dime to Branden Carlson.
Chomche can be the big the Raptors have been looking for, but it’s going to take time and Darko Rajakovic knows that. He was asked about his approach with Chomche this season, via the hello and welcome podcast:
“For him this whole season is looking at this big picture. It’s a big change for him, being drafted, coming from Cameroon, NBA academy, being over here…for me I want to be conscious not to put too much on his plate and not to try to speed up the process. For him it’s going to be very simple plan, what he needs to work on offensively, what he needs to work on defensively, he needs to learn how to eat, where to eat, take care of his body…all the kinds of stuff he’s going to learn for us and with 905 during this season so it’s a long-term project. We want to give him an opportunity to improve and get better without skipping any steps.”
The Raptors will take a slow approach with Chomche and he will have plenty of time to develop, especially with the 905.
The Raptors being patient and taking a long-term approach with Chomche could end up paying off big time down the line.
Darko Rajakovic shares update on Immanuel Quickley & RJ Barrett
Immanuel Quickley seems to be nearing a return for the Toronto Raptors. Quickley is still wearing the brace on his left thumb.
Darko Rajakovic provided an update on both him and Barrett at practice on Oct. 8.
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