Former Toronto Raptors center Ulrich Chomche is taking his talents overseas to Europe, signing with BC Balkan Botevgrad of Bulgaria after not seeing any playing time at all on Toronto's main roster this past season.
Prior to joining the Raptors, the 20-year-old would be selected 57th overall in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies who ended up trading away his rights.
During the 2024-25 season, Chomche averaged 0.7 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game in a limited seven games of action. Moreover, he shot 40% from the field while going 1-for-2 at the free throw line.
Chomche would put up much better numbers for Toronto's G-League affiliate, Raptors 905. There, he averaged eight points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game during a more generous 22.7 minutes of playing time.
Now, Chomche joins former teammates A.J. Lawson and Jared Rhoden as players who made the bold choice of leaving the comfort and familiarity of the NBA for a change of scenery abroad.
Unlike Chomche, Lawson got plenty more reps with Toronto, averaging a combined 28.1 minutes per game over the two seasons he spent with the squad. On the other hand, Rhoden averaged 21.5 minutes per game in 2024 before signing with the Charlotte Hornets mid-season and heading across the Atlantic afterward.
Besides playing for Botevgrad, Chomche will continue playing for his native Cameroon during international competition. Even though his time in the NBA was short-lived, both he and the Raptors should easily get by.
While Chomche has his sights set on a long-term role and more minutes on the court, the Raptors will turn their attention to contending in an Eastern Conference dominated by the defending NBA champion New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers who brought in star LeBron James from free agency.
With the return of Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and RJ Barrett, Chomche's absence will barely be felt at all. Furthermore, Toronto will especially be looking forward to reuniting with 2019 fan favorite Kawhi Leonard who led the franchise to its first-ever title against the juggernaut Golden State Warriors.
Chomche will look to contribute once more on Sept. 30 as Botevgrad returns to action in the EuroCup against Germany's Ratiopharm Ulm.
Meanwhile, Toronto will kick off their regular season on Oct. 21 against the conference rival Chicago Bulls in front of the Scotiabank Arena faithful.