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Demon Deacons in the NBA: Updates for the 2016-2017 NBA Season

By Horran Cameron

October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Horran Cameron’s journey through the NBA continues with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and their rather recognizable alumni.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have quietly grown their basketball program. The likes of Tim Duncan, Josh Howard, Rodney Rogers, Randolph Childress, Chris Paul and a host of others have walked through their doors en route to basketball stardom.

We will discuss the current Demon Deacons alums and former players who play in the NBA currently.

demon deacons
Oct 16, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) dribbles the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Al-Farouq Aminu, Portland Trail Blazers, small forward/power forward, #8

Al-Farouq Aminu has been a journeyman in the NBA. He has played for four different teams (Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers). Despite his constant movement, Aminu may have found a home with the Trail Blazers.

Aminu represents the ideal ‘stretch four.’ In other words, he is combo forward; someone who can play and guard both forward positions. With Portland’s high-pace offense, Aminu fits their playing style perfectly.

Aminu’s stats are not impressive. He averages 5.8 points and 7.8 rebounds. However, his importance transcends mere statistics. The majority of Portland’s scoring will come from Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Allen Crabbe.

Aminu is one of Portland’s best defenders. In addition, his job is to grab rebounds and man the low post as a role player. Based on his stats and who he has as teammates, Aminu does well in Portland. If necessary, he is capable of scoring more points, but that is not his role.

Case in point: Aminu scored five points, grabbed 12 rebounds, blocked three shots plus one steal and one assist in Portland’s only win this season against the Denver Nuggets. Several nights later, Aminu had six points, 10 rebounds, three steals, three assists and one block in a 127-104 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Aminu’s stat-stuffer mentality epitomizes the typical ‘blue collar’ player who wears a Blazers’ jersey.

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