BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ & SAM LANCE
Everyone’s path to success is unique. For Precious Sam, a standout in the class of 2027, that journey didn’t even begin until five years ago.
“I started playing basketball like 2020-2021,” Sam told ZAGSBLOG. “I started playing basketball then someone discovered me. The person said he saw potential in me, so he decided to give me a chance to be over here [in the U.S.] And you know, that’s one of the things that keeps pushing me. If someone could see the potential in me and give me the chance to be over here, I knew I could turn up and show the world what I could do and what I could bring to the table.”
The 7-footer was born and raised in Ghana, Africa. He was discovered and brought over to the United States by Brandon Bender, who formerly played college basketball at Louisville. Over here in the states, Sam has quickly turned heads with his athletic ability and constant motor. He played his sophomore season with AZ Compass in the Phoenix area.
“I think for me, whenever I’m happy, I play with my energy and my energy is contagious,” Sam said. “People tell me that every time: ‘Precious, your energy brightens your game.’”
At Nike Elite 100 camp in St. Louis, Precious’ energy was felt by the entire gym. Multiple coaches and players named Sam as a standout after each daily session. Some of the blocks and finishes Sam made throughout the week can only be made by someone with his combination of size and athleticism.
“It was a pleasure to get the opportunity to be able to play against like top athletes and elite players in the country,” Sam said of the Elite 100 experience. “These are people I’ve seen and heard about, but actually seeing them play, being able to stay in the same room and being able to learn… I think that was a great experience for me.”
Known as a defensive stalwart, Sam has been a dominant presence for the Mac Irvin Fire on the EYBL circuit. So far this summer, he’s averaging 6.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks at the 16u level.
“First with my defense, I put more time on that being able to guard a guard and stuff like that,” Sam said. “You have to improve your defense, and I put all my passion, my strength, on defense. Now I’m moving on to the next step, which is improving my offense. Because you can be like, yeah, my defense is good, but you need to have something in your bag.”
Right now, Sam isn’t the complete prospect he’d like to be, but he’s already done enough to receive interest from programs at the next level. He holds offers from Alcorn State, Arizona State, Florida State, Missouri and Radford.
He’s also receiving interest from Arkansas, with assistant coach Chin Coleman being his main contact. Coleman told Sam he’d be keeping an eye on him and how his game develops. The big man has also been in close contact with Missouri.
“Missouri, they’re talking about how that’s kind of the best spot for a big,” Sam said. “I’ll be able to showcase myself and it’ll be like a family.”
Sam plans on beginning his visits after this year’s Peach Jam, saying Florida State will likely be his first stop. The big man is currently undecided on where he’ll suit up for his junior season of high school basketball.
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