Back in high school every one of Precious Achiuwas social media captions ended with #whatif. After coming to the States from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 8th grade to pursue basketball, the hashtag served as a constant reminder that every decision hed make was just another opportunity waiting. Ever since 2021, the What If Unlimited nonprofit that the New York Knicks forward founded has been providing those same opportunities to thousands of kids in Nigeria.
Theres a lot of kids that are in the same shoes that I was in when I was growing up. For me to be able to inspire those kids, help them to believe that its possible, its doable, Precious says. Even if theyre in that type of environment right now, they might not see or think that things like this are achievable. Im just trying to show them that if I could do it, they can do it.
The week-long camp held for the past three summers provides the youth with life skills, meals throughout the day, free gear and an abundance of quality time with Precious. In 2023, they were able to send two select campers to programs in Canada. As the country grows its connection with the game, Precious is hoping to spearhead even more accessibility.
Its more than just a camp to him. Its who he is as a person. Their story is his story, says Nichole Jiminez, Executive Director at What If Unlimited. When youre working with a lot of people, not everyone has the lived experience of what theyre trying to support. I think the genuineness of the camp and why its such a success and why its growing so rapidly, its because its his truth.
