Precious Achiuwa

Achiuwa is a Nigerian forward who has established himself as an athletic, defensive-minded big man since being selected in the first round of the 2020 draft. An AAC Player of the Year at Memphis, he has brought energy, rebounding, and rim protection to multiple franchises.

Born Precious Achiuwa on September 19, 1999, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, he moved to the United States to attend high school. He attended St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he was a consensus five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American. He committed to Memphis over Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke.

At Memphis, Achiuwa averaged 15.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game as a freshman. He was named the AAC Player of the Year and a freshman All-American. He declared for the 2020 NBA draft after his freshman season.

The Miami Heat selected Achiuwa 20th overall in the 2020 NBA draft. He spent one season in Miami before being traded to the Toronto Raptors as part of the sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry. He later moved to the New York Knicks, where he has provided interior depth and defensive versatility.

Achiuwa functions as an athletic, mobile big man with rebounding instincts, rim protection, and the ability to switch defensively. His Memphis tenure showcased a player who could dominate physically at the collegiate level. In the NBA, his development centers on offensive refinement, expanding his shooting range, and providing interior depth and defensive energy in reserve frontcourt units.