Aziz Olajuwon, the son of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, has committed to Stanford University, choosing the Cardinal over Houston, Vanderbilt, and Cincinnati.
The 6-foot-7 small forward announced his decision Saturday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Olajuwon is a four-star prospect from IMG Academy in Florida, ranked No. 40 nationally by ESPN and No. 61 by 247 Sports.
His commitment gives Stanford one of the highest-profile recruits in the 2026 class. The Cardinal secured him after a strong push that highlighted both the program’s academics and basketball development.
Born in 2006, Olajuwon carries a unique basketball journey. He spent much of his childhood in Jordan and England before moving to the United States in 2021. He first played high school basketball at Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas, averaging 19.6 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
He later transferred to IMG Academy, where he continued to refine his game against elite competition. In the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, he posted averages of 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds, cementing himself as one of the nation’s most versatile wings.
Olajuwon also represented Canada, his mother’s homeland, at the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. His international experience added to his growing reputation as a high-level two-way player.
Scouts describe Olajuwon as a strong perimeter defender with the ability to stretch the floor. His 3-point shooting, rebounding, and defensive versatility have drawn attention from programs across the country.
Despite offers from multiple power-conference schools, Olajuwon cited Stanford’s emphasis on academics and personal development as key reasons for his decision. He said the coaching staff’s investment in him as both a player and individual stood out during the recruitment process.
His father, Hakeem, remains one of the greatest centers in NBA history. A two-time champion with the Houston Rockets, he is widely regarded as one of the most skilled big men to ever play the game.
While Aziz’s path differs from his father’s, his decision to head west to the Pac-12 positions him in a program known for balancing elite education with competitive basketball.
