Pascal Siakam stands as a pillar of stability for an Indiana Pacers team navigating a long road to recovery. With franchise star Tyrese Haliburton having been sidelined since last season’s finals with a torn Achilles, the responsibility of being the “engine” of the team has fallen squarely on Siakam’s shoulders. In an exclusive conversation, the four-time All-Star opened up about the personal mission that drives his play, the evolving landscape of African basketball, and the disciplined lifestyle required to maintain his elite status.
Honoring a Father’s Legacy in Cameroon
For Siakam, basketball is a vehicle for a higher purpose. His PS43 Foundation serves as a direct link to his roots in Douala and a tribute to his late father, Tchamo Siakam. The foundation focuses heavily on bridging the digital divide for Cameroonian youth, ensuring they have the tools to succeed regardless of their circumstances.
“Knowing where I come from and having this opportunity to be in the NBA, having the means to help others. That’s why I created my foundation,” Siakam explained. “PS43 Foundation helps kids with education and technology. It’s something I have the privilege to do. And it’s also a tribute to my father, for whom this was very important. So yeah, it’s a big passion of mine and I hope to help a lot of people.”
His commitment to his home country extends to higher education. Through a partnership with the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Siakam’s foundation established a $200,000 tech-focused scholarship in his father’s name. This scholarship specifically supports students from Cameroon—like Cedrick Tahmo and Erick Mbianda—allowing them to pursue degrees in computer science and software engineering. For his dedication, Siakam was awarded an honorary doctorate from UNB in September 2025.
Empowering the Next Generation: Skills Académie
As one of the NBA’s most prominent African stars, Siakam has watched the growth of the game on his home continent with immense pride. He highlighted the importance of the league’s expanding footprint, but he is also personally invested through his annual Skills Académie in Douala. This transformative three-day event combines high-level basketball training with workshops on financial literacy, leadership, and mental health.
“It’s great. It’s great to see that even the NBA has infrastructure and programs to help Cameroonian youth and in general African youth,” Siakam remarked. “For me, it’s beautiful seeing so many more Africans in the NBA, and we hope it keeps going. Yeah, it’s a real pride seeing how it’s evolving.”
Leading Through the Struggle
On the court, the 2025-2026 season has tested the Pacers’ resolve. Following a season-ending injury to Tyrese Haliburton, Siakam has been the veteran anchor for a depleted roster. Currently averaging 23.8 points and 6.9 rebounds, he leads the team in nearly every major category. Despite the uphill battle, his approach to leadership remains remarkably consistent, drawing on the resilience he learned growing up.+1
“It’s been a tough season for us, lots of injuries, and we’ve had to endure a lot,” Siakam admitted. “But at the end of the day, all I try to do is show up every day, set an example, work hard, and give everything I can for the team. Right now it’s tough, but we hope to keep fighting and get the chance to win more games too.”
The Science of Longevity
Now a decade into his career, Siakam has become a model of durability. Part of that “iron man” reputation comes down to a refined, professional approach to his body—including exploring specialized diets and wellness routines to maintain his edge.
“I try, I try. I’m trying with the, with… I don’t want to say age, because I don’t want to act like I’m too old,” Siakam joked. “But as you go on in the NBA, you try to figure out things, how to get better. Yeah, trying to find things that’ll help me perform better. That’s it, that’s the goal.”
