Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Santi Aldama

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Santi Aldama made an impact.

Santiago Aldama Toledo is a Spanish professional basketball player currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He gained recognition early in his career and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship. His nickname is ”The Trolley Problem”.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: National Team Debut at FIBA U16 European Championship

In 2017, Santiago Aldama made his national team debut for Spain at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Podgorica, Montenegro, averaging nine points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

2017: Played at 2017 Spanish Under-16 Championship

In 2017, Santiago Aldama played for Canterbury at the Spanish Under-16 Championship, averaging 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, helping his team achieve a third-place finish.

2018: Played for FC Barcelona Under-18 Team

In 2018, Santiago Aldama played on loan for the FC Barcelona under-18 team at the Ciutat de L'Hospitalet qualifiers in the Adidas Next Generation tournament.

August 2019: Committed to play for Loyola Maryland

In August 2019, Santiago Aldama announced his commitment to play college basketball for Loyola Maryland in the United States.

2019: Led Spain to Gold at FIBA U18 European Championship

In 2019, Santiago Aldama led his team to a gold medal at the FIBA U18 European Championship in Volos, Greece, and was named tournament MVP.

2019: Named MVP of 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship

In 2019, Santiago Aldama was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the FIBA U18 European Championship.

February 2020: Collegiate Debut and Patriot League Honors

In February 2020, Santiago Aldama made his collegiate debut for Loyola Maryland, scoring 11 points in a win over Navy. He was also named Patriot League Rookie of the Week three times and to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team.

February 2021: Record-Setting Performance against Lafayette

On February 13, 2021, Santiago Aldama recorded 30 points and 22 rebounds in a game against Lafayette, setting a program record and matching a Patriot League record for rebounds.

March 2021: Career-High Performance in Patriot League Tournament Semifinals

On March 10, 2021, Santiago Aldama scored a career-high 33 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a Patriot League tournament semifinal game against Army, helping Loyola advance to its first-ever Patriot League final.

April 2021: Declared for the 2021 NBA Draft

On April 14, 2021, Santiago Aldama declared for the 2021 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He later decided to remain in the draft.

August 2021: Signed with the Memphis Grizzlies

On August 8, 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that they had signed Santiago Aldama after he was drafted by the Utah Jazz and traded to the Grizzlies.

December 2021: Season-High Performance Against Oklahoma City Thunder

On December 2, 2021, Santiago Aldama scored a season-high 18 points with ten rebounds in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

July 2022: Named to All-NBA Summer League Second Team

On July 18, 2022, Santiago Aldama was named to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.

February 2023: Career-High Points Against Cleveland Cavaliers

On February 2, 2023, Santiago Aldama scored a career-high 21 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

April 2025: Playoff Performance in Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder

On April 26, 2025, Santiago Aldama recorded 23 points in a Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, resulting in the Grizzlies' elimination from the playoffs.