Aziz Olajuwon, son of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, commits to play at Stanford

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Aziz Olajuwon, son of Corridor of Fame massive man Hakeem Olajuwon and a top-40 recruit, dedicated to play basketball at Stanford on Saturday.

Olajuwon, ranked No. 40 on ESPN’s high 100 for the highschool class of 2026, is a 6-foot-7 ahead who not too long ago transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season.

Along with Stanford, Olajuwon additionally had Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston — his father’s alma mater — on his recruiting brief record.

Abdul Aziz Olajuwon of Canada goes up for a shot towards participant of Australia in the course of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 5-6 Classification sport between Canada and Australia at Lausanne Area on July 06, 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland. FIBA by way of Getty Pictures

“I selected Stanford as a result of it’s an ideal steadiness of elite lecturers and high-level basketball,” Olajuwon informed The Athletic. “It’s a spot that can problem me on the court docket and within the classroom, whereas additionally getting ready me for all times past basketball.

“The tradition and custom at Stanford actually stood out to me.”

Olajuwon is Stanford head coach Kyle Smith’s highest-rated recruiting get since taking on this system following the 2023-24 season.

“Coach Smith and actually the entire employees are individuals who actually put money into their gamers, on and off the court docket,” Olajuwon informed ESPN. “Their ardour, management and skill to attach with the groups made an enormous impression on me.

Hakeem Olajuwon spent 18 seasons within the NBA. AP

“The go to felt like an actual day within the life, not only a tour. I received to expertise the campus, the individuals and the tradition in an genuine approach, and it simply felt proper.”

Moreover, Olajuwon is now the Tenth-highest-rated dedication within the faculty’s historical past.

Abdul Aziz Olajuwon of Staff Canada poses for a portrait throughout content material day forward of the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 on June 27, 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland. FIBA by way of Getty Pictures

“Prepare, we’re constructing one thing particular,” Olajuwon mentioned relating to Stanford followers. “I can’t wait to placed on the Stanford jersey, compete on the highest stage, and provides every thing I've for this system and the followers. The long run is shiny, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

By 19 video games on the EYBL Circuit this previous summer season, Olajuwon averaged 14.5 factors and 6.0 rebounds whereas pulling down 3-pointers at a 41.1 % clip.