Precious Achiuwa was born to Nigerian parents of Igbo heritage. The athlete is often the star of the show, captivating the audience with his basketball skills. Achiuwa has recently received praise for exceeding expectations and stepping up for the injury-plagued New York Knicks. Let’s meet Precious Achiuwa’s parents, who have been very supportive of her rise to the highest level of basketball.
Precious Achiuwa (born September 19, 1999) is a Nigerian professional basketball player. He currently plays power forward for the NBA’s New York Knicks. As a freshman in the United States, Achiuwa played basketball for Our Savior Lutheran School in New York. Likewise, he went to St. Benedict and Montverde Academy before committing to play for the University of Memphis.
Achiuwa earned AAC Player and Freshman of the Year while playing for the Memphis Tigers in college. Following his outstanding rookie season, Achiuwa declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. He was selected 20th overall in the first round by the Miami Heat. The athlete was transferred to the Toronto Raptors after his first season in Miami. Likewise, he spent the next two seasons with the Raptors until joining the Knicks in 2023.
Meet Achiuwa’s Precious Parents
Precious Achiuwa was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to parents Donatus and Eunice Achiuwa. According to accounts, both his parents were Pentecostal pastors in Nigeria. Thus, Achiuwa’s profession reflects the principles set by his parents. The football player grew up in a rather large family. He has three brothers (God’s gift, God’s will, and Promise) and two sisters (Grace and Peace).
As a result, his family had a huge impact on his growth as a player and person. Interestingly, his parents gave him the name ‘Precious’ from the Bible. The same with his five siblings. Achiuwa also appreciates the contribution of his parents in creating the character of helping others. “My father worked with many children who did not have much,” Achiuwa told ANDSCAPE.com in 2021.
As a result, the NBA star likes to give back to young people. Achiuwas make sure that children have clothes on their backs and food on their tables. Later, Achiuwa’s parents supported his migration to the United States at the age of 14.
“I’m the baby, and my parents are home. It’s hard to leave home. But they let me go at such a young age,” Achiuwa said.
Overall, Eunice and Donatus have been a source of support and motivation for the player. Additionally, their influence on Precious’ growth cannot be overstated.
Achiuwa Inspired by his Brother
Dear brother, God’s gift Achiuwa had an impressive basketball career at the University of St. John from 2011 to 2014. God’s Gift reportedly started playing basketball in his early teens. Former Erie Community College coach Alex Nwora noticed him during a basketball camp in Nigeria in 2008. The 6-foot-8 forward left Nigeria in 2009 to pursue a college basketball career after Nwora offered him a scholarship.
God’s grace finally turned to St. John, where he was a defensive specialist during the 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons. He secured a scholarship for Precious to attend Our Savior Lutheran School in the Bronx. Although it was difficult to leave Nigeria, God-given basketball strategies and guidance made the experience easier for his brother.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
