Four-star shooting guard Malik Olajuwon has committed to SMU, he told Rivals.
The 6-foot-4 senior out of IMG Academy (FL) and son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon ultimately chose the Mustangs over Minnesota, but also received offers from Virginia Tech, TCU, Texas Tech, and Kansas State.
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Olajuwon, a native of Sugar Land, TX, is ranked as the No. 69 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the No. 16 ranked shooting guard, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an average of all three major recruiting media companies (Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports).
Olajuwon on his commitment to SMU
Malik Olajuwon discussed his decision to choose SMU with Rivals.
“I decided to commit to SMU because I felt like it was the fit for me both on and off the court. I really believe in Coach Enfield and the staff. I feel like SMU gives me a great opportunity to develop and compete at a high level. The people around the program made me feel at home from the beginning.”
He also discussed his relationship with the coaching staff.
“I have a good relationship with the coaching staff. They’ve been very genuine with me throughout the process and have always been honest about what they see in me and how they want to develop my game. I have a lot of trust in them. I’m excited to keep building those relationships.”
In his own words, what type of player is SMU getting in Malik Olajuwon?
“I would describe myself as a guard who can impact the game in a lot of different ways. I like to play make plays for my teammates, get downhill and put pressure on the defense. I’m also confident in my ability to score and defend. I’m always looking to make the right play for my team.”
He has a message for SMU fans.
“SMU fans can expect a lot of energy, competitiveness and someone who’s going to give everything he has every time he steps on the court. I’m coming to SMU ready to work compete and help us win. I can’t wait to get to Dallas and show everyone what I can do. Pony Up!”
Scouting Olajuwon
Rivals National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw has evaluated Olajuwon multiple times in person. Here is what he had to say about his game after evaluating him in July:
Malik Olajuwon is a smooth player. He is comfortable with the ball in his hands and can score the ball at multiple levels. He needs strength, as physicality can knock him off his spots, and to tighten his handle to help better get to areas on the floor. But he has touch and the upside is very interesting for the late blooming guard. He finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds on 5-15 shooting.
This summer playing on the Nike EYBL Circuit, Olajuwon averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for JL3.