Precious Achiuwa was born to Nigerian parents of Igbo heritage. The athlete is often the star of the show, enticing spectators with his basketball skills. Achiuwa has recently received acclaim for exceeding expectations and stepping up for the New York Knicks, who are dealing with injuries. Let’s get to know Precious Achiuwa’s parents, who have been very supportive of his rise to the top level of basketball.
Precious Achiuwa (born September 19, 1999) is a Nigerian professional basketball player. He now plays power forward for the NBA’s New York Knicks. As a freshman in the United States, Achiuwa played basketball for Our Saviour Lutheran School in New York. Similarly, he went to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School and Montverde Academy before committing to play for the University of Memphis.
Achiuwa earned the AAC Player and Freshman of the Year while playing for the Memphis Tigers in college. Following his outstanding freshman season, Achiuwa declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. He was selected 20th overall in the first round by the Miami Heat. The athlete was moved to the Toronto Raptors after his first season in Miami. Similarly, he spent the next two seasons with the Raptors until joining the Knicks in 2023.
Meet the Precious Achiuwa Parents
Precious Achiuwa was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to parents Donatus and Eunice Achiuwa. According to accounts, both of his parents were Pentecostal pastors back in Nigeria. Thus, Achiuwa’s profession reflects the principles set by his parents. The footballer was raised in a rather big family. He has three brothers (God’sgift, God’swill, and Promise) and two sisters (Grace and Peace).
As a result, his family had a significant impact on his growth as a player and person. Interestingly, his parents gave him the name ‘Precious’ from the Bible. The same applies to his five siblings. Achiuwa also appreciates his parents’ contribution in establishing the virtue of helping others. “My father worked with a lot of children who didn’t have much,” Achiuwa told ANDSCAPE.com in 2021.
As a consequence, the NBA star adored giving back to the youngsters. The Achiuwas ensured that the children had clothing on their backs and food on their tables. Later, Achiuwa’s parents were supportive of his migration to the United States at the age of 14.
“I’m the baby, and my parents are back home. It was tough to leave home. But they let me leave at such a young age,” Achiuwa said.
Overall, Eunice and Donatus have been a source of support and motivation for the player. In addition, their influence on Precious’ growth cannot be overstated.
Achiuwa Was Inspired by His Brother
Precious’ elder brother, God’s gift Achiuwa had an impressive basketball career at St. John’s University from 2011 to 2014. God’sgift 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 collegiate basketball career after Nwora offered him a scholarship.
God’sgift ultimately switched to St. John’s, where he became a defensive specialist during the 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons. He acquired a scholarship for Precious to attend Our Saviour Lutheran School in the Bronx. Although leaving Nigeria was difficult, God’sgift’s basketball strategy and guidance made the experience easier for his brother.
