For the second consecutive season, a pair of brothers are set to square off in the men’s NCAA tournament.
San Diego State senior guard Adam Seiko and Creighton sophomore forward Arthur Kaluma will square off on Sunday for a chance to advance to the Final Four. Last year, the two faced off in the first round of the tournament, with Kaluma and the Blue Jays advancing to the second round with a 72–69 victory.
Now, they play once again with an even bigger opportunity awaiting the winner.
Seiko spoke with Hurrdat Sports before the Sweet 16 about his younger brother, as well as the potential opportunity to play against him in the Elite Eight. Of course, the Aztecs and Blue Jays both won on Friday night to advance, making the dream match-up come true.
“He’s been amazing this year, you know,” Seiko began. “To see him perform at the level he is with his team, it’s amazing. As a big brother, I couldn’t…you know…be more proud of him. I know that he’s capable of even more to come but you know, I’m happy for us and our family to be in the Sweet 16.
“… It’ll just be a surreal feeling, you know? Something I can’t even put into words really. Playing them last year, but this time in the Elite Eight with a chance to go to the Final Four. That would be something really special, you know, for me and my family. So it’s just a blessing from God and we’re excited to be in this position.”
Seiko is a key member of San Diego State’s bench, averaging 20.3 minutes per game this season, scoring 6.2 points per game on 46.5% shooting from the field and 46.1% shooting from three.
Kaluma has started all 36 games for Creighton this season, averaging 11.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game on 42.1% shooting from the floor.
