Santi Aldama is one of the most promising young talents to emerge in recent years in the NBA. Known for his unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Aldama has quickly become a standout player, catching the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts alike. As he continues to make waves with his performances on the court.
It’s important to delve into his career, stats, and potential to understand why Aldama’s name is one that will be frequently mentioned in the future of professional basketball. In this article, we will take a deep dive into Santi Aldama’s stats, his background, playing style, notable performances, and what makes him such an exciting prospect in the NBA.
Early Life and Background
Santi Aldama was born on January 10, 2002, in Las Palmas, Spain. Growing up in Spain, Aldama was exposed to basketball at an early age. His family was passionate about the sport, and it didn’t take long for Santi to follow in their footsteps. He started playing at a local level and quickly gained a reputation for his versatility and basketball intelligence.
Aldama’s early years were shaped by his participation in Spain’s youth basketball programs, where he showcased his potential on a national level. Recognizing his skill and potential, Aldama was recruited to play for the Spanish youth national team, which played an instrumental role in his development as a player. Through his time with Spain’s youth teams, he gained valuable experience and caught the eyes of scouts across the globe.
Transition to the United States: Loyola Maryland
After honing his skills in Spain, Santi Aldama made the decision to move to the United States to further his basketball career. In 2020, he joined the Loyola University Maryland Greyhounds basketball team. Aldama’s transition to college basketball in the U.S. was seamless, as he quickly became one of the best players in the Patriot League.
During his freshman season with Loyola Maryland, Aldama wasted no time making an impact. His performances garnered national attention, and by the end of the season, he had already established himself as one of the top players in the country. His skill set, including his ability to shoot from the outside, create mismatches in the post, and rebound effectively, made him a standout on the court. Aldama’s decision to enter the 2021 NBA Draft was highly anticipated, with many expecting him to be selected in the first round based on his rapid growth as a player and his impressive stats in college.
Santi Aldama Stats: College Career
Santi Aldama’s time at Loyola Maryland was short but incredibly impactful. In his one year with the Greyhounds, Aldama made a mark with his performances and quickly became one of the most well-known names in the college basketball scene. Let’s take a closer look at his college stats.
Freshman Year (2020-2021) – Loyola Maryland
Points per Game (PPG): 21.2
Rebounds per Game (RPG): 10.1
Assists per Game (APG): 2.5
Blocks per Game (BPG): 1.3
Steals per Game (SPG): 1.0
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 51.6%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 35.3%
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 80.0%
Total Points: 509
Aldama’s numbers during his freshman year at Loyola Maryland were outstanding. He led his team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, showing a remarkable ability to do a little bit of everything on the floor. His efficiency as a scorer, as well as his ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, helped set him apart from other players in his class. In addition to his offensive production, Aldama’s rebounding and shot-blocking ability made him a force on both ends of the court.
Key College Highlights:
Patriot League Player of the Year (2021)
First Team All-Patriot League (2021)
NABC All-District First Team (2021)
Multiple 30+ Point Games
His stellar performances in college caught the attention of NBA scouts, and by the time the 2021 NBA Draft came around, Aldama was regarded as one of the top international prospects in his class. His combination of size (6’9”), skill, and basketball IQ made him a highly sought-after player.
Santi Aldama Stats: NBA Career
Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies Aldama was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career. His selection was seen as a great pick by the Grizzlies, who saw Aldama’s potential to develop into a valuable contributor in their frontcourt rotation.
Upon being drafted, Aldama joined a Memphis team that was already on the rise, with a talented roster led by players like Ja Morant. Despite being drafted late in the first round, Aldama was considered a high-upside player with the ability to contribute immediately, or at the very least, develop into a key piece of the team’s future.
NBA Stats – Rookie Season (2021-2022)
In his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Santi Aldama showed flashes of his potential but faced typical growing pains. He spent much of his rookie season alternating between the NBA roster and the Memphis Hustle, the team’s G-League affiliate, in order to gain more experience and playing time. Despite not seeing significant minutes at the start of his career, Aldama had several standout performances that demonstrated his versatility and potential:
Games Played: 38
Points per Game (PPG): 4.1
Rebounds per Game (RPG): 2.6
Assists per Game (APG): 0.7
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 44.3%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 31.5%
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 74.1%
Aldama’s shooting percentages in his rookie year were solid, and he showed promise as a stretch forward who could contribute offensively. His length and ability to shoot from outside allowed him to space the floor effectively, and his rebounding was a valuable asset. Although his rookie season was more about learning and adapting to the speed and physicality of the NBA, Aldama’s potential became increasingly evident as he gained more experience.
Santi Aldama Stats – 2022-2023 Season
In his second season in the NBA, Aldama took a step forward and played a larger role for the Memphis Grizzlies, particularly after the team experienced injuries to key players. Aldama’s minutes increased, and he showcased his development and progress in a more consistent role. His performance improved in nearly every statistical category, and he began to gain more recognition for his contributions.
Games Played: 58
Points per Game (PPG): 8.1
Rebounds per Game (RPG): 5.4
Assists per Game (APG): 1.3
Blocks per Game (BPG): 0.7
Steals per Game (SPG): 0.4
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 48.2%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 35.2%
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 77.9%
Aldama’s growth in his second season was evident. He became a more reliable scorer and rebounder, and his ability to stretch the floor as a big man became more impactful for the Grizzlies. His improved shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, allowed him to space the floor and provide an additional weapon for a Grizzlies team that thrives on pace and space.
Key Stats Breakdown – 2022-2023:
Double-Doubles: 5
Career-High Points in a Game: 20
Notable Games: Aldama had multiple strong performances, including a 20-point, 8-rebound game against the Dallas Mavericks in February 2023.
Santi Aldama’s Playing Style
Offensive Skills: Santi Aldama has a unique skill set for his size, standing at 6’9” with a 7’2” wingspan, which gives him a distinct advantage as a forward. He has the ability to score both inside and from the outside, making him a valuable stretch four for the Grizzlies. His shooting range extends beyond the three-point line, and his solid free throw percentage shows that he can be relied upon in clutch moments.
Aldama is also known for his ability to read defenses and make smart decisions with the ball. His high basketball IQ helps him find the right angles on offense, whether it’s finishing around the rim or hitting an open teammate with an assist.
Defensive Ability: On the defensive end, Aldama’s length and agility make him a solid shot blocker and a capable defender on the perimeter. His ability to guard multiple positions ranging from forwards to occasional switches on guards makes him an asset for a Memphis team that values defensive versatility.
Rebounding: Rebounding is another area where Aldama excels, especially on the offensive glass. He has an uncanny ability to position himself well, grabbing boards and securing second-chance opportunities for his team. His effort on the boards, especially as a young player, has impressed coaches and analysts alike.
Santi Aldama Stats: Career Outlook
As of now, Santi Aldama is still a developing young player with a ton of potential. His combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence gives him a high ceiling in the NBA. Over the next few seasons, it will be exciting to see how Aldama continues to grow as a player, both in terms of his offensive game and his defensive prowess.
With a solid foundation and a work ethic that has already been praised by teammates and coaches, Aldama has the potential to become a key contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies for years to come. As he continues to refine his game and adjust to the NBA’s level of competition, it’s likely that Aldama will continue to climb the ranks and become one of the league’s most well-rounded forwards.
FAQs
What is Santi Aldama’s height and weight?
Aldama stands at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighs 214 pounds (97 kg). His height and weight give him the physical profile of a modern NBA forward, allowing him to contribute both on the inside and on the perimeter.
Where did Santi Aldama play before joining the NBA?
Before joining the NBA, Santi Aldama played college basketball at Loyola University Maryland. During his time with the Loyola Greyhounds, he gained recognition for his impressive performances in the NCAA, where he averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists per game as a sophomore.
How was Santi Aldama drafted into the NBA?
Santi Aldama was selected by the Utah Jazz as the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, he was immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he began his NBA career. His potential as a versatile forward with excellent scoring and rebounding abilities was highly regarded by scouts.
Has Santi Aldama played for Spain’s national team?
Santi Aldama has represented Spain at various levels, including playing for Spain’s U18 and U20 teams. He is considered one of the top prospects in Spanish basketball and could be a future contributor to the senior national team in international competitions like the FIBA World Cup or the Olympics.
What is Santi Aldama’s playing style?
Aldama is a modern-day forward who blends size with skill. He is a floor-spacing big man who can shoot the three, make plays off the dribble, and finish at the rim. He is comfortable playing both inside and outside, which makes him a versatile asset. On defense, he is capable of guarding multiple positions due to his athleticism and length.
In Summary
Santi Aldama is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA today. With his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Aldama has the tools to develop into a key contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies. As he continues to grow and refine his game, basketball fans can expect to see more standout performances from Aldama as he makes his mark in the NBA. Whether it’s his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, his rebounding prowess, or his overall versatility, Aldama’s stats and potential make him a player to watch in the years ahead.
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