God’sgift Achiuwa

Classroom

Achiuwa has been a member of the BIG EAST All Academic Team, 2011-2012, which honors student-athletes who achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA during the academic year. At St. John’s he has been on the College of Professional Studies Dean’s List, (Fall 2011, Spring 2012), the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll: Silver Medallion, (Fall 2011, Spring 2012) and the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society, (Spring 2012), which honors college athletes for outstanding academic achievements (3.4 minimum GPA), exemplary character, and commitment to serving the community.

Character

Achiuwa is a member of the St. John’s University President’s Society, (2011 – 2012). Founded in 1968, The President’s Society is the highest honor society in the University. It consists of those students who combine scholarship, integrity and maturity with leadership skills demonstrated by their significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the University. Members of the Society are considered part of the President’s official staff and are designated special duties at University functions. They are often paired with prominent alumni, world leaders and well-known humanitarians.
Achiuwa has also received the St. John’s University Student-Athlete Leadership Certificate: Track I, (Spring 2012), awarded to eligible upperclass student-athletes upon completion of all requirements for certification in the second level of this University-recognized leadership program. He is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), (Fall 2011 -Spring 2012)

Community

The Red Storm basketball team and Achiuwa are active members of the St. John’s University and greater New York City community. The men’s basketball team is involved in extensive charity, fundraising and public speaking events throughout the year, particularly in the offseason. Achiuwa led more than 400 fans and the Red Storm men’s and women’s basketball teams in raising $21,000 for pediatric cancer research at St. John’s University Service Day “Dribble For The Cure” event last September. The event returned for a second year on Sept. 22 where Achiuwa once again led the St. John’s community in raising more than $25,000 for pediatric cancer research in the New York City area. Achiuwa and the St. John’s men’s basketball players work with University Campus Ministry in outreach efforts that include the St. Nicholas of Tolentine shelter, Habitat for Humanity, the St. John’s Bread and Life Soup Kitchen and other charitable organizations.

Competition

Achiuwa made 32 appearances in his rookie season, drawing 18 starts. He averaged 29.9 minutes per game to rank fifth among all Red Storm players. His 9.4 points per game scoring average was fourth on the team. He led St. John’s with a .534 field goal percentage and was second on the squad in rebounding at 5.8 caroms per contest. Almost half of his 186 total rebounds came on the offensive end. He pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds, including eight offensive, scored six points and had a career-best three steals against Pitt in the opening round of the BIG EAST Conference Tournament (March 6).