She’s new to basketball, but Kentucky prospect knows what she wants in a college program.

Kentucky is a finalist for a top-50 player in the women’s basketball recruiting class of 2024, but securing the signature of the 6-foot-3 prospect from Florida’s Montverde Academy is going to require a unique approach.

Vivian Iwuchukwu, who only first picked up a basketball four years ago, said the right fit will be willing to focus on her continued development.

“(I want) a school that’ll help me skill-wise,” Iwuchukwu said. “Me being the fact that I started basketball a little bit late, you know, my skill isn’t up to par where I want it to be. So I feel like I’m really looking for a school that can adjust to that and help me build my skill. And not just, you know, rely on my lyricism and pinpoint me to just that.”

At the start of June, Iwuchukwu announced seven finalists for her commitment via social media.

“Seven is heaven,” Iwuchukwu captioned the post, which revealed Kentucky as one of her top choices along with Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Southern Cal and Texas A&M.

Iwuchukwu, No. 49 in espnW’s 2024 HoopGurlz recruiting rankings, is playing with Essence during her first summer in the Elite Youth Basketball League. And, though she said she’s still adjusting to the competition, she ranks in the league’s top 10 in rebounding. She entered this weekend’s Nike Nationals in Chicago with an average of nine boards per game.

In her first showing of the weekend, a dominant 57-38 Essence victory versus Midwest Elite, Iwuchukwu grabbed nine rebounds in addition to recording six points and an assist in just 16 minutes. Coaches from each of her top seven schools, including UK head coach Kyra Elzy, were in attendance.

Iwuchukwu did not start the game, but remained an active participant in the action whether or not she was on the court, hyping up her teammates from the bench and providing encouragement.

“My team, I’ve been able to build a special bond with them,” she said. “It’s more than just how many points I put up or how good I’m doing. You know, I’m always trying to cheer my teammates on. And I feel that’s like, given back to me, it circulates all around our team. So I feel like it’s normal, I guess. It’s what we do at Essence.”

Iwuchukwu tweeted that she had received a UK offer June 2 of last year, not long after the completion of her first season with Montverde Academy.

Originally from the Lagos State area in Nigeria, Iwuchukwu averaged 18.3 points and 12.3 rebounds as a freshman at Cole High School in San Antonio prior to transferring to Montverde in hopes of furthering her development against bigger and stronger competition. In two seasons with the Eagles, Iwuchukwu has contributed to an overall record of 46-4, including back-to-back national championships.

During her junior season, she averaged 7.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Her production is expected to increase following Montverde’s graduating of Baylor freshman Lety Vasconcelos.

Considered a four-star prospect by espnW, Iwuchukwu said her athleticism sets her apart.

“I’m fast. I’m fast, you know, I jump high,” Iwuchukwu said. “I’m just really athletic for my size and I feel like it really gets people with the mismatch and that really makes my game stronger.”

While no timeline is set for Iwuchukwu’s college decision, she does have close connections to a few of her finalists.

Most notable is Iwuchukwu’s older brother Vincent, formerly ranked No. 7 overall in the class of 2022. A rising sophomore at Southern Cal, he became a beloved figure in the program through his positivity and grit, as well as through his tenacity to return to the court after collapsing during a summer workout.

And, because Montverde consistently puts out Division I talent, Iwuchukwu could team up again with a few former teammates.

UK freshman wing Jordy Griggs played the 2022-23 season with Iwuchukwu after transferring to Montverde for her senior year. Texas A&M star Janiah Barker, who was named to the 2023 SEC All-Freshman Team, is also a former Montverde teammate of Iwuchukwu. Georgia redshirt freshman Fatima Diakhate also played a season with the talented four-star.

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