Santi Aldama
Santiago “Santi” Aldama Toledo (born January 10, 2001) is a Spanish professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He primarily plays as a power forward. College Career: Aldama attended Loyola University Maryland, where he played college basketball for the Loyola Greyhounds. In his freshman season (2019-2020), he missed the first 11 games due to a knee injury. He averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game in 10 appearances. Despite limited games, he showcased his versatility and potential. In his sophomore season (2020-2021), Aldama made a significant leap, becoming one of the most dominant players in the Patriot League. He averaged 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game in 17 games. He became the first Loyola player in 43 years to average a double-double for a season and was named to the First Team All-Patriot League. His impressive performance attracted the attention of NBA scouts, highlighting his unique combination of size, shooting touch, and playmaking ability for a big man. Drafts: After his excellent sophomore season, Santi Aldama declared eligible for the 2021 NBA draft. He was considered an intriguing prospect due to his European roots, his offensive skill set, and his potential as a “stretch big” in the modern NBA. Aldama was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. He was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a draft-night deal. This trade allowed him to join a young and promising Grizzlies roster, providing him with the opportunity to develop alongside other talented players. News and Recent Performance: Since joining the Memphis Grizzlies, Aldama has shown steady progress and become a valuable contributor off the bench. In his rookie season (2021-2022), he had limited minutes but gained valuable experience adjusting to the NBA game. In the 2022-2023 season, he took on a more significant role, especially with injuries to key players. He demonstrated his versatility by playing both power forward and center, and his improved shooting and defensive efforts were notable. Aldama has often been praised for his high basketball IQ, his ability to space the floor, and his developing defensive presence. He has been part of the Grizzlies’ rotation in their playoff appearances, providing depth and a different look for the team. News about Aldama generally focuses on his continued development as a modern NBA big man, his ability to hit three-pointers, and his defensive growth. He is seen as a key piece for the Grizzlies’ future, given his potential to contribute on both ends of the court. Personal Data: Santi Aldama comes from a family with a strong basketball background. His father, Santiago Aldama, was also a professional basketball player who competed for Spain internationally, including in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. This family connection to the sport likely influenced Santi’s early exposure to and passion for basketball. He was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. Growing up, he honed his skills in the Spanish basketball system before moving to the United States for college. Aldama is known for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic, which have been noted by coaches and teammates. He is fluent in Spanish and English, which has helped him make a smooth transition to the NBA environment. His commitment to improving his game is evident in his physical development and skill refinement since being drafted.
