Pascal Siakam's journey to NBA stardom is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Before becoming a three-time All-Star and NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors and now a key player for the Indiana Pacers, Siakam honed his skills in college basketball at New Mexico State University. His time with the Aggies was marked by significant growth and impressive achievements, laying the foundation for his successful professional career.
Siakam's path to New Mexico State was unconventional. Hailing from Douala, Cameroon, he initially envisioned a career in business, planning to return home after his education to assist his father. However, fate intervened, and Siakam found himself drawn to basketball, a sport his brothers had already embraced. Despite starting relatively late, at age 15 or 16, his natural talent and work ethic quickly became apparent.
He enrolled at New Mexico State University in 2013. After redshirting his first year (2013-14) due to injury, Siakam burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman in the 2014-15 season. He quickly earned Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Freshman of the Year honors. During this season, he played in all 34 games, starting in 27 of them. He averaged 12.8 points per game, ranking second on the team and eighth in the WAC. He also led the Aggies in rebounding, averaging 7.7 rebounds per game, which ranked second in the WAC. Siakam also showcased his defensive abilities, leading the league in blocked shots with 1.8 per game. His field goal percentage was also impressive, leading the WAC at .572.
Siakam's sophomore year (2015-16) was nothing short of spectacular. He started all 34 games for the Aggies, leading the WAC in scoring (20.3 points per game), rebounding (11.6 rebounds per game) and blocked shots (2.24 blocks per game). Nationally, he ranked eighth in rebounding, 26th in scoring, and 32nd in blocked shots. He recorded an impressive 27 double-doubles, leading the nation. Siakam became the first sophomore in NM State history to reach 1,000 career points. He was named WAC Player of the Week five times, a WAC record. His outstanding performance earned him the WAC Player of the Year Award. He also received an honorable mention for the AP All-American team.
One standout performance during his sophomore season was against UTEP, where he grabbed 23 rebounds, the second-most in NCAA Division I that season. He also scored 35 points in two separate games, against Robert Morris and Oral Roberts.
After his remarkable sophomore season, Siakam declared for the 2016 NBA draft, foregoing his final two years of college eligibility. His decision proved to be a wise one, as he was selected 27th overall by the Toronto Raptors.
Although his college career was relatively short, Pascal Siakam's impact on New Mexico State was undeniable. He showcased his potential, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the top players in the WAC. His time with the Aggies not only prepared him for the rigors of the NBA but also provided a glimpse of the star he would become. Today, as a three-time NBA All-Star, NBA champion, and Eastern Conference Finals MVP (2025), Siakam continues to build his legacy, with his college years serving as a crucial chapter in his journey to success.
