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NBA Draft 2016: Raptors take New Mexico State's Pascal Siakam with 27th pick

The New Mexico State forward is headed north

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

With the 27th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors took Pascal Siakam out of New Mexico State.

Originally from Cameroon, Siakam was the ninth international player to be taken in the first round. The Raptors were undoubtedly swayed by the gaudy numbers he posted in the WAC last season, averaging 20.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

The pick is somewhat of a surprise, as most mock drafts had Siakam in the second round. He joins Jacob Poeltl as the two first-round selections for Toronto.

Siakam was a sophomore, but earned WAC Player of the Year for his efforts with the Aggies last season. His efforts were enough to earn New Mexico State a conference regular season championship and spot in the NIT, where the Aggies fell to St. Mary's in the first round.

Though Siakam was not expected to be taken so early, it should be no surprise that he will have a future in the NBA; he was one of four kids in his family to play college basketball.