Joel Bolomboy
A Ukrainian-born big man who carved a path from Weber State to the EuroLeague, earning Russian citizenship along the way.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Russian basketball player·Birthday: January 28·Millennials
Biography
Joel Bolomboy's journey is a map of shifting borders and hard-earned hoops success. Born in Ukraine, he moved to the United States as a child and developed into a defensive force at Weber State University in Utah, where his relentless rebounding and shot-blocking earned him conference player of the year honors. His professional path led him away from a brief NBA stint and back across the Atlantic, where he became a fixture in Europe's top leagues. In 2018, a significant personal shift occurred when he accepted Russian citizenship, aligning his national team future with the country. Today, he anchors the frontcourt for Serbian powerhouse Crvena zvezda, valued for his energy, physicality, and the unique international perspective he brings to every game.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joel was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Joel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named Big Sky Conference Player of the Year in 2016 while at Weber State University.
- Played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2016-2017 season.
- Earned Russian citizenship in 2018, becoming eligible to play for the Russian national basketball team.
- Became a key player for EuroLeague club Crvena zvezda, competing at the highest level of European basketball.
Did You Know?
He was born in Donetsk, Ukraine, but grew up in the United States from the age of two.
His father, Jean-Jacques Bolomboy, played professional basketball in Europe.
He speaks fluent English and Russian.
“My game is simple: rebound the ball, protect the paint, and run the floor.”
