Aluma grew up playing soccer and did not play basketball until high school. He stood 6'7" as a freshman at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Maryland.[1] Aluma was a three-year starter for Decatur, leading the team to two regional titles and a 3A state championship game appearance. He was named Bayside South Player of the Year in his senior season.[2] Aluma committed to playing college basketball for Wofford over offers from Loyola (Maryland), UTEP and UMBC, among others.[3]
College career
Aluma averaged 2.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a freshman at Wofford. He became a starter in his next season.[4] On January 3, 2019, Aluma matched his season-high 14 points and nine rebounds in a 112–81 win over The Citadel.[5] As a sophomore, he averaged 6.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.[6] Aluma transferred to Virginia Tech, where his previous coach Mike Young was hired, and sat out for one season due to transfer rules.[7]
On November 28, 2020, he posted 23 points and eight rebounds in an 81–73 overtime win over third-ranked Villanova.[8] On January 30, 2021, he recorded 29 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, leading his team to a 65–61 win over eighth-ranked Virginia.[9] In his following game, Aluma posted 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in an 83–72 loss to Pittsburgh.[10] As a redshirt junior, Aluma averaged 15.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning Second Team All-ACC honors. Following the season, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft, but ultimately returned for his senior season.[11] Aluma was again named to the Second Team All-ACC as a senior.[12]
His biological father, Peter Aluma, played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for part of one season. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Bethany and Bruce Copeland.[13]
