Pascal Siakam will remain in NBA draft rather than return to NMSU
LAS CRUCES – After numerous workouts and discussions with his family, New Mexico State sophomore Pascal Siakam has decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2016 NBA Draft.
“I think all of us are going to become cheerleaders on June 23rd for Pascal,” head coach Paul Weir said. “We are so thankful for everything he did here and are looking forward to following his career,”
Siakam, a 6-9 forward, led the nation with 27 double-doubles as a sophomore. Of the 22 NCAA Division I players that averaged a double-double, the Aggie All-American was the only player that averaged more than 20 points a game. Siakam finished the year ranked in several national statistical categories, averaging 20.3 points (26th), 11.6 rebounds (eighth) and 2.4 blocked shots (32nd).
“First of all, I would like to thank my friends, family, teammates and the NM State fans for their patience and support as I made my decision,” Siakam said. “I would also like to thank Coach Menzies, Coach Weir and the rest of the NM State coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play for the Aggies and putting me in a position to succeed as a basketball player.”
The Douala, Cameroon, native’s 690 points this season is the second-most in Aggie history for a single-season while his 396 rebounds in 2015-16 were the third-best. It was also the fourth-best rebounding performance in a single-season in Western Athletic Conference history. He also etched his named into Aggie lore with the third-best blocked shots total in a single-season with 76.
In just two seasons in Las Cruces, Siakam recorded 1,126 points – which ranks 21st in the program’s all-time scoring list. His two-year total in points is also the fourth-best in NM State history while his 658 career rebounds rank him 15th all-time.
The 2016 NBA Draft is set to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., at 6 p.m. (MT) on Thursday, June 23.
“Most importantly, I would like to thank the university for supporting me in my continued efforts in receiving my college degree,” said Siakam. “My time in Las Cruces is not over though, it is my intention to continue my studies and complete the necessary coursework to graduate with my degree from NMSU. I was raised to value education and it is something that is very important to me and my family. Therefore, graduating from college will be the ultimate victory.”
