Precious Gem At Nike Hoop Summit

Precious Achiuwa

by Harry Cummins


     Most of the headlines from this weekend's Nike Hoop Summit in Portland deservedly went to the great backcourt battle between the USA's Cole Anthony (25 pts/8 Reb's) and the World's Nico Mannion (28 pts/5 assists/5 Reb's), who is headed to Arizona next year.

    Also showing out in the annual high school All-Star game was 7'1" James Wiseman, who did nothing to hurt his chances of being the Number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.  Wiseman, the Gatorade High School Player Of The Year, hit 6 of 8 shots, scored 12 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and blocked 6 shots for the winning USA team.

     Perhaps the player with the most upside, however, was 6'9" Precious Achiuwa of the World team.  The still undecided senior from Mali and Montverde Academy, had a double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds in the 93-87 loss to the USA team.  He also had 2 steals and 4 blocks in an energized performance.

     Both the chiseled and athletic Achiuwa and  Anthony have yet to declare their choice for a college, easily the top two remaining high school players in the nation still undecided.  They both will be followed closely in the days ahead.

     A longshot choice?   They both sign with North Carolina.  Stay tuned.