ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Toronto Raptors made Pascal Siakam the 27th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft Thursday night. He is the first New Mexico State Aggies player drafted in the 1st round in 46 years. The Aggies had a pair go in round one in 1970. Sam Lacey and Jimmy Collins were members of the Aggies’ Final Four team.
Siakam, a 6-foot, 9-inch forward was not on most draft boards when he decided to test the waters after the regular season of college basketball. For Siakam, it was a season of double doubles.
He had 27 to led the nation, averaging over 20 points and more than 11 rebounds per game. Nationally, he was 8th in the country in rebounds. The unanimous WAC Player of the Year was also honorable mention All American.
Siakam helped himself in the draft by having a respectable showing at the NBA Combine in Chicago in May. His body measurements and long wingspan also made him a attractive choice for NBA scouts.
Siakam also had multiple workouts for a variety of NBA teams leading up to the draft.