God’sgift Achiuwa Arrives on Campus

The last member signed to Steve Lavin’s highly-ranked recruiting class becomes the first to step on campus in Queens.

God’sgift Achiuwa, the junior college transfer from Erie CC (NY) is enrolled in summer classes at St. John’s and has begun working out with the Red Storm coaching staff.

“It is a very nice experience being around these great coaches with great minds and I am very happy to be around them,” the Nigerian native said in a press release. “I am learning a lot from them, so I am taking advantage of the opportunity to be around them.”

The 6’9”, 240 pound big man was named to the NJCAA All-America First Team for the second consecutive season after averaging nearly 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. When he signed with the Red Storm in late April, he garnered national interest; not only for his unique name, but because he could perhaps be the missing piece for this already-talented 2011 recruiting class.

With the loss of Justin Burrell to graduation, Achiuwa could settle into the role Burrell had last season, as a powerful forward off the bench. The two have a similar physical build, and Achiuwa’s size and bulk complement the length and lankiness of other big men in this St. John’s class.

Achiuwa will, mostly likely, be competing for minutes with freshman Norvel Pelle, though they could both see starts and switch roles throughout the year. The two may even be on the floor at the same time, if the Red Storm feature a larger, post-oriented lineup.

Following his signing, Achiuwa made the rounds in the media, including an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. Fans can get a closer look at Achiuwa here, in St. John’s first video blog for the Class of 2011.