ESPN Report: Legendary Indiana Pacers Star Pascal Siakam Named the Greatest of All Time in College Men’s Basketball
In a stunning and historic announcement that has sent shockwaves through the world of basketball, ESPN has officially named Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college men’s basketball. The accolade comes as part of ESPN’s annual retrospective, in which a panel of experts, former players, coaches, and historians analyze and debate the legacy of collegiate players across generations.
While Siakam has built an impressive NBA career—most notably as an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors and now a cornerstone of the Pacers—it is his often-overlooked collegiate dominance at New Mexico State University that has now earned him this remarkable recognition. The decision to elevate Siakam above a field of legendary athletes, including Diana Taurasi of UConn, Cheryl Miller of USC, Lynette Woodard of Kansas (not Kentucky, as initially misreported), and the Oklahoma City Thunder organization’s entire developmental lineage, reflects a reassessment of what it means to leave a lasting legacy in college basketball.
A Closer Look at Siakam’s College Brilliance
Pascal Siakam’s journey from Cameroon to the NBA is already the stuff of legend. However, his college career, often overshadowed by his professional success, is being reevaluated in light of advanced metrics and his transformative impact on the New Mexico State Aggies. In just two seasons (2014–2016), Siakam became a dominant force in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), averaging 20.3 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in his sophomore year.
He was named WAC Player of the Year, and under his leadership, New Mexico State enjoyed significant success in conference play. What stood out was not just his stats, but his all-around game, relentless motor, and ability to elevate a mid-major program to national relevance. ESPN analysts noted that no other player in recent history had such a profound impact on both ends of the court at a non-powerhouse school.
Surpassing Legends
The decision to crown Siakam over names like Diana Taurasi and Cheryl Miller—widely regarded as some of the most iconic players in basketball history—has not been without controversy. Taurasi, often called the “White Mamba,” led UConn to three consecutive NCAA titles and remains the all-time scoring leader in the WNBA. Miller, one of the greatest women’s players ever, revolutionized the women’s game during her time at USC.
Lynette Woodard, a trailblazer and the first female Harlem Globetrotter, had an illustrious career at Kansas and was recently inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Her inclusion in the discussion reflects a broader push to evaluate greatness across gender lines, recognizing excellence wherever it appears.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, mentioned in the ESPN piece, represent the modern NBA’s deep-rooted player development success, with a history of nurturing young stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, as a franchise rather than an individual, their comparison to Siakam highlights his singular impact and excellence.
What Makes a GOAT?
The ESPN panel emphasized that the GOAT title isn’t solely about stats or championships—it’s about impact, evolution of the game, leadership, and overcoming odds. Siakam’s rise from obscurity—only beginning organized basketball at age 16—to becoming a collegiate phenom and NBA All-Star was a story too compelling to ignore.
Analyst Jay Bilas noted, “What Siakam did at New Mexico State, in terms of transforming a team, showing complete versatility, and then transitioning seamlessly to the NBA—he didn’t just play the college game; he mastered it in a way few others did.”
The Reaction
Social media exploded with reactions to the ESPN announcement. Fans, analysts, and players weighed in, with many celebrating the recognition of a player who has often flown under the radar in college GOAT debates. Others questioned the snub of more mainstream college icons like Christian Laettner, Bill Walton, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Siakam himself responded on Instagram with characteristic humility: “Humbled and honored. My journey has always been about hard work, and I’m grateful for the recognition. Shoutout to New Mexico State—this is for all of us.”
A Broader Conversation
This surprising but well-argued designation opens a broader discussion about how greatness is measured in college basketball. Should we focus on national titles, raw talent, or transformative influence on a program and its community? ESPN’s decision to honor Siakam may mark a shift in that thinking.
While the debates will continue, one thing is clear: Pascal Siakam’s journey from Douala, Cameroon, to college GOAT status is a reminder that greatness often comes from the most unexpected places.
