Pascal Siakam, star power forward for the Indiana Pacers, has a remarkable and inspiring journey rooted in his upbringing in Douala, Cameroon. As the youngest of six siblings, he initially had designs on soccer, but it was the unwavering belief of his father, Tchamo Siakam, that set him on the path to basketball. His father’s dream was for at least one of his sons to reach the NBA, and Pascal has honored that dream through his incredible accomplishments.
Siakam began playing organized basketball at the age of 17, which is relatively late compared to the typical U.S. athlete. His former coach at New Mexico State, Marvin Menzies, noted that this unique late start allowed Siakam to approach the game with a fresh perspective and enthusiasm. With the support of his father, who helped him secure a scholarship at God’s Academy in Texas, Siakam’s college journey began.
Tragedy struck before his college debut when Siakam learned that his father had been killed in a car accident. This heartbreaking loss became a pivotal moment in his career, fueling his determination to honor his father’s legacy. Siakam described this motivation, saying, “I’m just blessed to be able to make his dream become a reality and to have the opportunity to keep it alive.”
During his time at New Mexico State, Siakam made an immediate impact, earning the Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year honors and later the WAC Player of the Year in his sophomore season. He then declared for the 2016 NBA Draft and was selected 27th overall by the Toronto Raptors.
Siakam’s rookie year saw him play in the G-League with the Raptors’ affiliate team, the Toronto 905, where he led the team to a championship and earned the Finals MVP. His hard work and natural athleticism have been key to his success, culminating in leading the Raptors to their first NBA Championship in the 2018-2019 season and earning the Most Improved Player award.
After a significant chapter in Toronto, Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2023. Rather than slowing him down, the new environment has further propelled his success. Currently, he has received accolades such as the NBA Eastern Conference MVP, following a strong performance against the New York Knicks. With three NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA team honors, Siakam continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest players to emerge from New Mexico State.
His journey serves as a heartfelt reminder of the strength found in pursuing one’s dreams, not only for oneself but also in honor of loved ones who believed in them from the start. Siakam’s story is a testament to perseverance, showing that with hard work and dedication, one can overcome adversity and achieve greatness.