Precious Achiuwa, the rising basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association, is a part of a large and undoubtedly supportive family, as he has five siblings.
Among his siblings are three brothers named God’sgift Achiuwa, God’swill Achiuwa, and Promise Achiuwa, and two sisters named Grace Achiuwa and Peace Achiuwa.
Precious Achiuwa stitched all of his siblings’ names inside his suit for the NBA Draft. (Source: Twitter)
While much information is available about Precious’s basketball journey, his older brother God’sgift also made a name for himself in the world of college basketball.
God’sgift played for St. John’s from 2011 to 2014, where he also majored in Administrative Studies. His collegiate career was marked by notable achievements, such as being named to the 2013-14 Big East All-Academic Team during his Redshirt Senior year.
God’sgift had impressive stats, including a .534 field goal percentage and a significant contribution to the team’s rebounds. Additionally, he earned recognition for his academic achievements.
Unfortunately, details regarding Precious’ other siblings are scarce. While the accomplishments of his older brother, God’sgift, in college basketball are well-documented, the private lives of his other siblings remain relatively undisclosed.
God’sgift Achiuwa played a crucial role in shaping Precious Achiuwa’s basketball career
Precious’s basketball career has been significantly impacted by his elder brother, God’sgift, who has provided mentorship and support.
God’sgift left Nigeria for America, initially attending Erie Community College in New York before finding a place at St. John’s four years before Precious arrived in the United States.
This move paved the way for Precious, who embarked on a transformative journey from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to various locations in the U.S., including Queens, Newark, New Jersey, Montverde, Florida, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Precious credited God’sgift as a guiding force throughout his basketball career, stating, “Having my brother come before me, he was a guide to me for every step of the way so far,” via the New York Post.
God’sgift connected Precious with a local AAU coach, Oz Cross. Cross immediately recognized Precious’s determination, as evidenced by his consistent inquiries about weekly workout plans.
During his high school years at St. Benedict’s Prep, he rapidly evolved into an elite prospect, earning accolades such as a selection for the McDonald’s All-American Game and a ranking as the 15th-best prospect in the nation by 247Sports.com.
While soccer was the predominant sport back in Nigeria, Precious picked up basketball after witnessing his brother’s development as a player upon leaving home.
Precious began playing at an earlier age than his brother and initially as a guard. God’sgift, foreseeing Precious’s potential as a forward, believed that if his younger brother could replicate the progress he made, he would surpass his own achievements.
How old is Precious Achiuwa?
Born to Eunice Achiuwa and Donatus Achiuwa on September 19, 1999, Precious is currently 24 years old. His journey in the athletic world began with soccer, a sport he played predominantly during his formative years.
However, in eighth grade, he relocated to the United States, subsequently shifting his focus to basketball. As a high school freshman, he played basketball at Our Saviour Lutheran School in Centereach, New York.
Similarly, he spent two years at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, where he became a part of the nationally ranked basketball program, sharing the court with notable NCAA Division I recruits.
His junior season was particularly remarkable, averaging 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.2 steals per game, leading his team to an impressive 28–2 record and earning him a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-American second team.
Later, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, for his senior year, contributing significantly with 14 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
His stellar performance earned him accolades such as MaxPreps All-American fifth team, USA Today All-USA third team, and USA Today All-USA Florida first-team honors.
Additionally, the player displayed his skills on a broader stage, playing in prestigious events like the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit in 2019.
Precious Achiuwa’s professional career
Precious played college basketball for Memphis under the guidance of head coach Penny Hardaway. In his debut for Memphis, he contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds in a convincing victory over South Carolina State.
Throughout his freshman season, he delivered a season-high 25 points in a narrow 87–86 win against Ole Miss. His outstanding performance earned him the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week accolade, after a stellar display against Jackson State.
His impressive statistical averages of 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. As a result, he was named as the AAC Player and Freshman of the Year.
Following this standout freshman season, Precious declared for the 2020 NBA draft. In the NBA draft, he was selected with the 20th pick by the Miami Heat.
On November 25, 2020, he officially signed his rookie scale contract with the Heat. However, in on August 6, 2021, the Toronto Raptors acquired him and Goran Dragić from the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal in exchange for Kyle Lowry.
His debut with the Raptors on October 20, 2021, contributed six points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a game against the Washington Wizards.
Notably, on November 24, 2021, the basketball player reached a career-high by making three 3-pointers and posting impressive stats of 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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