Siakam Points Leader and Standout for Bisons
February 23, 2009 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Kentucky Bisons News Release
Boris Siakam wasn't a player you would expect to average over 19 points per game when he played at Western Kentucky University. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward from Douala, Cameroon, was expected to do other things for the Hilltoppers. Things have changed completely now that he plays for the Kentucky Bisons, a minor league pro basketball team in Owensboro, KY. The Bisons are currently ranked third in the league and are in position to take the Southeast Division Title and Boris Siakam is leading the way.
Boris Siakam had this to say about his career at WKU, "We had plenty of guys who could score," "Anthony Winchester, Courtney Lee, Tyrone Brazelton, -- we had a lot of players who could put up big numbers. "What I tried to do is come ready to play every game, bring great energy to the court, and play my role the best that I could. I would do anything needed to help us win basketball games."
Siakam apparently has kept the same work ethic playing for the Kentucky Bisons, who have established themselves as one of the league's top teams. Siakam, a starter at the 3-4 spot has become a key offensive player for the Bisons. "Boris has been tremendous inside scorer for us," said Jay Sills CEO and owner. "He's had several games up over 20 points, and he's just such an exciting player to watch. He does a lot of great things for us on the basketball court."
Siakam's ability to step up his offensive game since coming to the team has been impressive to say the least. "I kept working on my game," Siakam stated. "I've always believed I had the ability to score. "With the Bisons, I'm counted on to produce at both ends of the floor. It all goes back to doing whatever I can to help my team win." Siakam and the new Kentucky team have done just that. The Bisons are 16-2 and have won 11 consecutive games.
"This has been a lot of fun," Siakam said. "We've turned into a great team because we're close off the court as well as on the court. I knew guys like Brandon Stockton, Mike Wells and Teco Dickerson before, and the rest of the guys are great to be around. "We enjoy playing the game, and we're very competitive."
Siakam was on the court and ready to crash the boards in the NCAA Tournament last March, while WKU's Ty Rogers drained a 26-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to upset fifth-seeded Drake 101-99 in big overtime victory.
"It was just an unbelievable experience to be where I was when Ty made that shot," said Siakam. "I was watching him when he released the ball, and I had seen that look of determination confidence on his face a thousand times in practice.
"Under the circumstances, he released the ball with great form. As soon as the ball was in the air I said to myself, 'This one's going to go in.' "It's the most memorable experience I've had in basketball. Words really can't explain it -- it was the big time."
While Siakam was not a standout at Western, his career numbers were very impressive. Siakam averaged 4.5 points per game while shooting 59 percent from the field, he averaged 3.2 rebounds per game, and 66 percent from the foul stripe.
In 2006-07, Siakam hit 74.6 percent shots (50-of-67) but played limited minutes under then Coach Horn and the Hilltoppers.
At Caverna High School a senior in 2003-04, Siakam averaged 18.7 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks and lead the Colonels to their first state tournament appearance since 1979. He was awarded Most Valuable Player of the 5th Region Tournament, was on the All "A" Classic all-tournament team, the Sweet 16 all-tournament team and the Kentucky All-Stars.
"This is already a dream come true," Siakam said. "Hopefully, I can continue to improve and at some point move up the pro ranks." "Life is good," said Siakam. "I am living the dream."
Look for the Kentucky Bisons to play in the ABA Finals and possibly as a top seed. The tournaments will take place in Nashville, TN on March 18th, 19th, and 22nd.
For current information on the Kentucky Bisons the Tri-State's new Minor League basketball team visit the web at www.KentuckyBisons.com or by Phone: 270-782-7556
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from February 23, 2009
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