Former NMSU Aggie, NBA superstar Pascal Siakam returns to Southwest vs. Phoenix Suns
PHOENIX, Arizona -- Former New Mexico State Aggie Pascal Siakam is the most successful collegiate athlete from the Borderland in modern sports with the NBA's Toronto Raptors.
The Aggie legend makes his way back to the Southwest on a road trip against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
Siakam is a true success story, regardless of sport.
Discovered by former NMSU Head Coach Marvin Menzies during a "Basketball Without Borders" camp, the native Cameroonian averaged over 20 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Aggies in 2016. Siakam was named 2016 WAC player of the year.
After declaring early for the NBA Draft, Siakam was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. With his selection, Siakam became the first Aggie selected in the 1st Round since Sam Lacey and Jimmy Collins in 1970.
He fought his way into the Raptors rotation in 2019, and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player, the first Aggie to receive such distinction.
That year, he also raised a banner, helping lead the Raptors to the 2019 NBA title over the Golden State Warriors. The championship was the franchise's first.
This year, Siakam is averaging 23.5 points per game and was named an All-Star Starter.
Hear from Pascal Siakam as he talks with ABC-7's Nate Ryan on ABC-7 at 10 on Tuesday night.
