Memphis lands Montverde Academy star Precious Achiuwa

By Jordan Divens May 17, 2019, 12:00am

Tigers land seventh highly touted talent in the Class of 2019.

The Memphis Tigers are emerging as the college basketball team to watch next season after landing elite forward prospect Precious Achiuwa of Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) on Friday morning.

Achiuwa, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound New York City native, is regarded as the No. 14 overall prospect in the Class of 2019 by 247Sports, and had UConn, Kansas and North Carolina vying for his recruitment.

Video: Precious Achiuwa highlights
See new Memphis pledge in action during his high school career.

Achiuwa gives Memphis and second-year head coach Penny Hardaway seven highly touted incoming players — comprising the nation's top-ranked recruiting class.



Achiuwa joins center James Wiseman of Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.), guard Boogie Ellis of Mission Bay (San Diego), forward D.J. Jeffries of Olive Branch (Miss.), guard Lester Quinones of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), forward Malcolm Dandridge of Memphis East and guard Damion Baugh of Tennessee Preparatory Academy (Memphis, Tenn.). The Tigers also add graduate transfer guard Rayjon Tucker from Arkansas Little-Rock.

As a senior, Achiuwa led No. 4 Montverde Academy (22-3) in scoring and rebounding, averaging 14 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest to earn fifth team MaxPreps All-American recognition.

Achiuwa turned in solid showings recently in the prestigious McDonald's All-American (22 points, nine rebounds) game and Nike Hoops Summit (15 points, 11 rebounds).