Pascal Siakam - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Pascal Siakam was born on April 2, 1994, in Douala, Cameroon. He is the youngest of four brothers and grew up playing soccer before transitioning to basketball.
- 2. Siakam attended New Mexico State University, where he played college basketball for the Aggies. In his sophomore season, he was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
- 3. Siakam was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 27th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He made his NBA debut on October 26, 2016, and quickly became a key contributor for the team.
- 4. Siakam's breakout season came in the 2018-2019 campaign, where he was named the NBA's Most Improved Player. He averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, leading the Raptors to their first NBA championship.
- 5. Siakam is known for his versatility on the court, as he can play multiple positions and is a strong defender. He has the ability to score inside and outside, making him a valuable asset for the Raptors.
- 6. Siakam signed a four-year, $130 million contract extension with the Raptors in October 2019, solidifying his future with the team.
- 7. Siakam was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2020, where he represented the Raptors on the Eastern Conference team.
- 8. Off the court, Siakam is involved in various charitable efforts, including his work with the Pascal Siakam Foundation, which focuses on improving education and healthcare in Cameroon.
- 9. Siakam's nickname is "Spicy P," which was given to him by Raptors' teammate Fred VanVleet. The nickname has become popular among NBA fans and is often used to refer to Siakam.
- 10. Siakam continues to be a key player for the Raptors, helping lead the team to success in the NBA playoffs. He is considered one of the rising stars in the league and has a bright future ahead in his basketball career.