Aziz Olajuwon, son of Hall of Fame big man Hakeem Olajuwon and a top-40 recruit, committed to play basketball at Stanford on Saturday.
Olajuwon, ranked No. 40 on ESPN’s top 100 for the high school class of 2026, is a 6-foot-7 forward who recently transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season.
In addition to Stanford, Olajuwon also had Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston — his father’s alma mater — on his recruiting short list.
“I chose Stanford because it’s a perfect balance of elite academics and high-level basketball,” Olajuwon told The Athletic. “It’s a place that will challenge me on the court and in the classroom, while also preparing me for life beyond basketball.
“The culture and tradition at Stanford really stood out to me.”
Olajuwon is Stanford head coach Kyle Smith’s highest-rated recruiting get since taking over the program following the 2023-24 season.
“Coach Smith and really the whole staff are people who really invest in their players, on and off the court,” Olajuwon told ESPN. “Their passion, leadership and ability to connect with the teams made a huge impression on me.
“The visit felt like a real day in the life, not just a tour. I got to experience the campus, the people and the culture in an authentic way, and it just felt right.”
Additionally, Olajuwon is now the 10th-highest-rated commitment in the school’s history.
“Get ready, we’re building something special,” Olajuwon said regarding Stanford fans. “I can’t wait to put on the Stanford jersey, compete at the highest level, and give everything I have for the program and the fans. The future is bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Through 19 games on the EYBL Circuit this past summer, Olajuwon averaged 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds while knocking down 3-pointers at a 41.1 percent clip.