Brief Introduction of Precious Achiuwa
Precious Ezinna Achiuwa is a Nigerian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, he is a versatile forward known for his athleticism, energy, and defensive prowess. Achiuwa’s journey to the NBA began in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, before he moved to the United States in the eighth grade to pursue his basketball dreams. He quickly rose through the high school ranks, becoming a consensus five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American. After a standout freshman season at the University of Memphis, where he was named the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player and Freshman of the Year, Achiuwa declared for the 2020 NBA draft. He was selected as the 20th overall pick by the Miami Heat and has since played for the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks, showcasing his continuous development and becoming a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
Precious Achiuwa Overview
| Full Name | Precious Ezinna Achiuwa |
| Date of Birth | September 19, 1999 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 26 |
| Birthplace | Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Donatus Achiuwa (Father), Eunice Achiuwa (Mother), God’sgift Achiuwa (Brother), God’swill Achiuwa (Brother), Promise Achiuwa (Brother), Grace Achiuwa (Sister), Peace Achiuwa (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Reportedly single |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $6 million |
Early Life and Education of Precious Achiuwa
Precious Ezinna Achiuwa was born on September 19, 1999, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to Donatus and Eunice Achiuwa. Both of his parents are Pentecostal ministers, and he is of Igbo descent. Growing up, Achiuwa’s primary sport was soccer, a passion shared by many Nigerian youths. However, his focus shifted to basketball around the eighth grade, coinciding with his move to the United States. This move was largely influenced by his older brother, God’sgift Achiuwa, who was playing college basketball at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Achiuwa and his family settled in Queens, and he began his high school basketball journey at Our Saviour Lutheran School in The Bronx, New York.
For his sophomore and junior years, Achiuwa attended the renowned St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, a school with a nationally ranked basketball program. During his junior season, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.2 steals per game, leading his team to a 28-2 record. For his senior year, Achiuwa transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, another basketball powerhouse. At Montverde, he continued to excel, averaging 14 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and leading his team to the semifinals of the GEICO High School Nationals. His outstanding high school career culminated in him being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2019, where he was the leading scorer in the All-American Game with 22 points. A highly sought-after recruit, Achiuwa committed to play college basketball for the University of Memphis.
Precious Achiuwa’s Career
Precious Achiuwa’s collegiate career at the University of Memphis under coach Penny Hardaway was short but impactful. In his lone freshman season (2019-2020), he was a dominant force, averaging a double-double with 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He also contributed 1.9 blocks per contest. His stellar play did not go unnoticed, as he was named both the American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, a rare and impressive feat. Following this successful season, Achiuwa declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Achiuwa was selected by the Miami Heat with the 20th overall pick in The first round of the 2020 NBA draft. He spent his rookie season with the Heat, gaining valuable experience. In August 2021, he was part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Kyle Lowry. With the Raptors, Achiuwa’s role expanded, and he continued to develop his game, becoming an important part of their rotation for over two seasons. In December 2023, Achiuwa was traded to the New York Knicks, his hometown team, as part of a package for Og Anunoby. After a stint with the Knicks, he re-signed with the Miami Heat in the 2025 offseason before ultimately signing with the Sacramento Kings in November 2025.
Precious Achiuwa Personal Life & Family
Precious Achiuwa comes from a close-knit and deeply religious family. His parents, Donatus and Eunice Achiuwa, are both Pentecostal ministers. He is the youngest of six children and has three brothers, God’sgift, God’swill, and Promise, and two sisters, Grace and Peace. His older brother, God’sgift, was also a collegiate basketball player for St. John’s University from 2011 to 2014, and he played a significant role in Precious’s journey to the United States. Achiuwa is reportedly single and tends to keep his personal life private. His social media presence is primarily focused on his basketball career, including workout videos and game highlights. He is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. Achiuwa is also passionate about giving back to his home country of Nigeria and has been involved in charitable initiatives to support youth basketball development there.
Awards and Achievements of Precious Achiuwa
- McDonald’s All-American (2019)
- American Athletic Conference Player of the Year (2020)
- American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year (2020)
- First-Team All-AAC (2020)
Precious Achiuwa Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Precious Achiuwa’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. His primary source of income is his NBA salary. He signed a rookie scale contract with the Miami Heat in 2020 worth over $12.5 million for four years. In July 2024, he signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the New York Knicks. His career earnings from his NBA contracts are estimated to be over $18.5 million. In addition to his salary, Achiuwa has endorsement deals. He notably signed a multi-year shoe deal with the Chinese sports apparel company Anta in 2021. He also has a lifestyle deal with the Policaro Group, a luxury car dealership.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being in the early stages of his professional career, Precious Achiuwa is already building a significant legacy. As one of a growing number of Nigerian players in the NBA, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes in his home country and across the African continent. His journey from playing soccer in Port Harcourt to becoming a first-round NBA draft pick is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices made by him and his family. Achiuwa’s athletic and energetic style of play makes him an exciting player to watch, and his commitment to defense is highly valued in the modern NBA. He has also used his platform to advocate for his Nigerian heritage and has been involved in philanthropic efforts to support youth basketball in Nigeria. His connection to Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa program further highlights his commitment to the growth of basketball in Africa.
Interesting Facts about Precious Achiuwa
- Growing up in Nigeria, his first love was soccer, and he only started focusing on basketball when he moved to the United States in the eighth grade.
- He comes from a large family and is the youngest of six siblings.
- Both of his parents are Pentecostal ministers.
- He was the leading scorer in the 2019 McDonald’s All-American Game with 22 points.
- He is interested in fashion and designed his own draft night suit, which included the names of his siblings stitched on the inside lining.
- Beyond basketball, he has a passion for music and has learned to DJ.
- He has an interest in food and wine, which he developed after moving to North America.
Controversies
Precious Achiuwa has maintained a relatively low profile off the court and has not been involved in any significant controversies. Early in his career, there were some discussions and scrutiny regarding his adjustment to the professional level and his fit within the systems of the Miami Heat and later the Toronto Raptors, but these were typical of a young player’s development in the NBA.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: Information not disclosed
- Twitter: Information not disclosed
- YouTube: Information not disclosed
Final Words about Precious Achiuwa
Precious Achiuwa’s career is on an upward trajectory. His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive versatility makes him a valuable asset in the modern NBA. Having played for multiple franchises early in his career, he has gained diverse experiences that have contributed to his growth as a player. As he continues to refine his offensive skills, he has the potential to become an even more impactful two-way player. His journey from Nigeria to the NBA is a powerful story of determination and serves as an inspiration to many. With his strong work ethic and commitment to improvement, Precious Achiuwa’s future in the league looks bright, and he is poised to continue making a significant impact both on and off the court.
