Fil-foreign standout Aleksander Pachuki commits to D1 school Fordham
Filipino basketball talent continues to generate recognition abroad as 19-year-old Aleksander Pachuki has committed to attend Fordham University in Bronx, New York this fall, he announced on Monday, March 25.
“Going Division 1 was always a goal of mine. Since I was very young, I hoped to go Division 1, especially playing in the States,” Pachuki told All-Star Magazine in an exclusive interview.
“I’m going to Fordham University. It’s a high Division 1 school. They play in the Atlantic-10 Conference which is pretty amazing to me.”
The Atlantic-10 is the same conference where PBA legend Gabe Norwood competed while with George Mason University. It also has other notable programs such as Davidson, St. Bonaventure, and Richmond, among others.
Pachuki is a 6-foot-6 wing who specializes in knocking down outside shots. He attended Hoosac School for his senior season in 2023-2024, averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists a contest.
His best performance came during a 48-point performance against top-ranked Putnam Science, powered by his 14 made three-pointers.
He was part of Fil-Can Nation’s title-winning campaign of the recent Manila Live Boys 19U tournament. Pachuki, who has a mix of Polish and Canadian blood with his Filipino lineage, scored 16 points in the championship contest, tied for second best in the team with Zain Mahmood, and just right behind Gabriel Obusan’s 19 markers.
The lanky but crafty wing also received offers from Division 2 schools in the United States and met with UAAP programs such as defending champion La Salle and FEU. More universities reached out. Pachuki mentioned Adamson was one of them.
“I did have the thought of coming to the Philippines to play and study but to pass up on something as great as the opportunity to study and compete in America, I couldn’t pass on it,” he explained.
“A lot of Division 1 schools were contacting me, but I really just wanted to get the recruiting process over with. Wanted to settle down, just enjoy time, stop stressing.”
Pachuki attained his Philippine passport before turning 16-years-old, which makes him Gilas-eligible for the future. The thought of suiting up for the national team excites him. He also isn’t closing the door on playing college or pro basketball in the Philippines some time down the line.
“I eventually see myself playing here, whether that be for university, maybe, if it doesn’t work out in the States or for just pro in general. I hope to play pro here, actually.”
Photo Credit: Vyn Radovan
