Precious Achiuwa Bio
Precious Ezinna Achiuwa is a Nigerian professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He attended high school in the United States, where he was a consensus five-star recruit and named a McDonald’s All-American. Achiuwa played college basketball for the Memphis Tigers, earning conference player of the year honors as a freshman in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2020. He was selected by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft with the 20th overall pick. After his rookie year ended in Miami, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors during the 2021 offseason before being traded to the New York Knicks in 2023. He later returned to the Heat in 2025. He was waived by the Heat after the preseason but signed with the Sacramento Kings in November.
Early Life and Background
Precious Achiuwa was born on September 19, 1999, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up in a family of Igbo descent and initially played soccer before shifting his focus to basketball in eighth grade after moving to the United States. Achiuwa and his family settled in Queens, New York, where he began his basketball journey. As a freshman in high school, he played for Our Saviour Lutheran School in The Bronx, New York. He later transferred to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, which had a nationally ranked basketball program. During his junior season, Achiuwa averaged 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.2 steals per game, leading his team to a remarkable 28–2 record. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-American second team.
In his senior year, Achiuwa transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a prep school known for its successful basketball program. He led Montverde with averages of 14 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, helping the team reach the semifinals at the GEICO High School Nationals. His performance garnered him several accolades, including MaxPreps All-American fifth team and USA Today All-USA third team honors. On March 27, 2019, he played for the East team in the McDonald’s All-American Game, leading all scorers with 22 points. Achiuwa committed to play college basketball for the University of Memphis on May 17, 2019, joining a talented roster that included top recruits.
Path to Basketball
Precious Achiuwa made his college debut for the Memphis Tigers, showcasing his talent with 14 points and eight rebounds in a victory over South Carolina State. His performance quickly caught the attention of the American Athletic Conference, and he was named the conference player of the week shortly after. Throughout his freshman season, Achiuwa consistently delivered strong performances, culminating in an average of 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. His efforts earned him the AAC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors, solidifying his status as a rising star in college basketball. Following a successful freshman season, he declared for the 2020 NBA draft.
Precious Achiuwa Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Precious Achiuwa was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Miami Heat. He signed his rookie scale contract with the team on November 25, 2020. During his rookie season, Achiuwa made a significant impact, contributing to the Heat’s success. His versatility as a power forward allowed him to adapt to various roles on the team, showcasing his potential as a valuable player in the league.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Achiuwa’s career took a pivotal turn on August 6, 2021, when he was traded to the Toronto Raptors as part of a sign-and-trade deal involving Kyle Lowry. In his season debut with the Raptors, Achiuwa demonstrated his skills by scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds. His performance continued to improve, highlighted by a career-high game where he made three 3-pointers and scored 17 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2021. This period marked a significant growth phase in Achiuwa’s career, as he adapted to the demands of playing for a new team and continued to develop his game.
Notable Works and Milestones
Precious Achiuwa’s signature achievements include being named the AAC Player of the Year and earning All-American honors during his high school career. His transition from college to the NBA has been marked by consistent improvement and adaptability, showcasing his potential as a future star in the league.
Precious Achiuwa Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Precious Achiuwa has received several nominations and honors, including multiple accolades during his college career. His recognition as the AAC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year highlights his impact in the American Athletic Conference.
Precious Achiuwa Awards Won
Precious Achiuwa has achieved notable awards, including being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2019, which is a prestigious honor for high school basketball players. Additionally, he received the AAC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards in 2020, showcasing his talent and contributions to the Memphis Tigers during his freshman season.
Precious Achiuwa Family
Precious Achiuwa comes from a family with a strong background in faith, as both of his parents, Donatus and Eunice Achiuwa, are Pentecostal ministers. He has an older brother, God’sgift Achiuwa, who also played college basketball for St. John’s University. Precious has two other brothers, God’swill and Promise, and two sisters, Grace and Peace, creating a close-knit family.
Personal Life
Details about Precious Achiuwa’s personal life are limited, as he tends to keep his private life away from the public eye. His family background and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping his character and work ethic, contributing to his success as a professional athlete.
