Aziz Olajuwon, son of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, announced on Saturday that he will play basketball at Stanford.
Olajuwon, who stands at 6-foot-7 and is a forward, is currently ranked 40th in ESPN’s Top 100 for the 2026 high school class. He recently made the switch to IMG Academy for his senior year.
Alongside Stanford, his recruitment list included Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, and Houston, which is where his father played.
“I believe Stanford offers the ideal mix of outstanding academics and high-level basketball,” Olajuwon mentioned in an interview. “It’s going to prepare me for life after basketball while also providing challenges in both sports and academics.”
He also expressed that he was drawn to Stanford’s culture and traditions.
Since Kyle Smith took over as coach following the 2023-24 season, Olajuwon has been the top recruit for Stanford. “Coach Smith and the entire coaching staff really care about the players both on and off the court,” he noted. “Their enthusiasm and leadership made a significant impact on me.”
He added that his visit felt genuine, allowing him to experience the campus and its culture authentically.
Moreover, this commitment marks Olajuwon as the 10th highest-rated recruit in Stanford’s history.
“Fans should be excited; we’re about to create something special,” he said, expressing his eagerness to wear the Stanford jersey and give his all. “I’m thrilled to be part of this bright future.”
Last summer, Olajuwon played 19 games on the EYBL circuit, where he averaged 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, shooting 41.1% from beyond the arc.
