Al-Farouq Aminu is a professional basketball player who joined the National Basketball Association in 2010 after he was selected eighth overall in the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. In college, Aminu played two seasons with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=41037

Prior to the draft, Aminu was ranked sixth overall and second among small forwards. Clippers General Manager Neil Olskey explained that Aminu filled a hole in the team's roster at small forward, adding he "was the best combination of need and talent, production and potential." Though he played power forward in college, out of necessity according to Aminu, he agreed with Clippers management that he is best suited for the small forward role. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-clippers-nba-draft-20100625,0,1240612.story

Aminu made his NCAA Basketball debut with Wake Forest in the 2008-09 season. Playing in 31 games, he scored 401 points, notched 253 rebounds and added 46 assists. He helped the Demon Deacons reach the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament where they were eliminated in the first round. Despite the early exit from the post-season, Aminu's personal efforts were honored with a selection to the All-Freshman Team. He was also the runner-up for the ACC Freshman of the Year award.http://wakeforestsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/aminu_alfarouq00.html

During his sophomore season, Aminu saw increased playing time, averaging 31.3 minutes per game. His performance also improved, adding 491 points, 332 rebounds and 46 assists.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=41037 The Demon Deacons again qualified for the NCAA Tournament, reaching the second round where they fell to the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/bracket

Prior to joining the Demon Deacons, Aminu was arrested in March of 2008 on charges of aggravated assault and trespassing. Aminu was accused on shooting a woman using a BB gun in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. As it was his first offense, Aminu was sentenced to 120 hours of community service and three years probation for the incident.http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/stories/2008/03/28/aminu_0329.html