Class of 2019 Achiuwa's recruitment gaining steam
Talent and the bloodlines are a non-issue for Precious Achiuwa.
A 6-foot-7 small forward from mighty St. Benedict’s Prep basketball program, which has produced the likes of JR Smith, Tyler Ennis and Samardo Samuels, the nation's No. 19-ranked sophomore looks more than primed to add his name to the elite list of notable alumni.
Achiuwa has continued to show just how good he can be during his sophomore campaign. Given his combination of good size, athleticism, a motor and excellent versatility, Achiuwa has St. John’s, VCU and Seton Hall already prioritizing him.
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
Achiuwa, who plays alongside Syracuse signee Bourama Sidibe, sharpshooting junior Matthue Cotton and impressive freshman Noah Farrakhan, discussed his role at St. Benedict’s.
“It is just to be the dirty guy. I go and get rebounds, take shots and just try and do everything for my team,” Achiuwa said. “Right now, what I think I do well is rebound the ball. I can score, but I need to work on my jump shot and my handles so I can reach the next level."
While Achiuwa's recruitment has not been as publicized as those of some other elite 2019 prospects, Achiuwa does see two programs standing out.
“For sure, I know of is St. John’s and VCU,” he said. “I am very positive about them and the others I really don’t pay attention to right now.”
Achiuwa gave high marks to St. John’s, the local program that his brother, God's Gift, attended.
“It is right there next to my house, a couple blocks away, so I can literally walk there if I have to," Achiuwa said. "My brother played there, so it feels like home for me.
Achiuwa has benefited from the advice of his older brother.
“He basically didn’t tell me about colleges but to make my own decision because he doesn’t want me to wake up and not like the decision I made,” Achiuwa said.
“I have actually talked with Coach (Chris) Mullin a few times and we have talked about me coming there and how it is going to be like. He is a pretty good guy.”
The other program squarely in the mix, VCU has also left a solid impression.
“They play really hard, play defense, and they hustle a lot; that is my kind of game,” Achiuwa said. “I hate slow-paced basketball, so it is a good look for me.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Achiuwa's recruitment is just now starting to heat up.
Blessed with ideal tangibles and an excellent basketball ceiling, the top-25 recruit gave insight on what he will be looking for in a college.
“For me, it is not all about basketball," Achiuwa said. "I really want to go to a college that is going to help me get to the next level as an athlete and as an individual in life. It is not all about basketball but more about what is after it so I can have a go-to move.”
RIVALS REACTION
The four-star prospect's versatility, motor, athleticism and improving skill development might be enough to one day add the last star to Achiuwa’s profile. Achiuwa reminds us of Rudy Gay and might have just as good of an upside as the former UConn star.