NBA Star Pascal Siakam Inspires N.B. Students, Receives Honorary Doctorate

NBA all-star Pascal Siakam visited students in Gagetown, New Brunswick, on March 15, 2024, where he received an honorary doctorate from the University of New Brunswick. His visit coincided with a celebration of the Data Dunkers program, an innovative initiative aimed at combining basketball with data science for students in Grades 5 to 12.

The Data Dunkers program focuses on teaching students how to interpret and analyze data, especially using statistics from the NBA and WNBA. Siakam, who is a partner of the program through his PS43 Foundation, emphasizes the importance of education and technology in shaping the future. “Technology is the future,” he stated during a press conference. “We just want to continue to empower kids through technology and through education. For us, this was the perfect way to do it—basketball and data together, that’s a perfect marriage.”

During the event, students from Grades 6 to 8 had the opportunity to present their findings to Siakam and engage him with questions, including inquiries about his most memorable basketball moments. Students from Sunny Brae Middle School in Moncton participated virtually, expanding the reach of this inspiring experience.

Principal Kathrine Colpitts noted the lasting impact of Siakam’s visit. “We are making core memories here and inspiring the students in the context of data science and basketball,” she said. Many students left the event wearing signed hats and T-shirts, a tangible reminder of their encounter with the NBA star. Colpitts expects an increased level of focus and motivation among the students following the event, expressing optimism about the positive influence of such experiences.

Students reacted with excitement to Siakam’s surprise visit. “I went insane,” recalled Acacia Mallery after seeing him enter the gym. Fellow student Gage Sutherland described his astonishment, stating, “I was just extremely surprised and didn’t know what to say.” The Data Dunkers initiative aims to connect students with coding through basketball, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations. Siakam shared his own formative experiences, recalling how attending Basketball Without Borders in South Africa inspired his career. “It just gave me a different perspective that I think helped me shape the person I am today,” he said.

Later in the evening, Siakam was honored with an honorary degree from the University of New Brunswick. The university established the Pascal Siakam Scholarship, which is awarded to a student from Cameroon enrolled in a computer science program. The scholarship, created in 2023, has had a significant impact, allowing students to focus on their studies without the burden of extensive work commitments. Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor of UNB, emphasized the importance of this support, stating, “It really allows them more time to study, invest in their future, and for them, it’s a game changer.”

The evening also featured a fireside chat between Siakam and former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna. They discussed Siakam’s leadership, resilience, and the positive influence he has both on and off the basketball court.

This event not only highlighted Siakam’s commitment to education and youth empowerment but also created lasting memories for students in Gagetown, reinforcing the connection between sports and academic pursuits.