Abdul-Malik Olajuwon commits to SMU basketball

Abdul-Malik Olajuwon, a highly-rated high school shooting guard and the son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, has verbally committed to play college basketball for SMU. The 6-foot-5 guard, a four-star recruit and top-60 prospect for the class of 2027, chose the Mustangs over offers from several other programs, including Minnesota, Texas Tech, Virginia, and Auburn.

Olajuwon, who currently plays for IMG Academy in Florida, cited the coaching style of SMU head coach Andy Enfield as a key factor in his decision. He noted that Enfield’s system fits his style of play and expects to make an impact as a freshman playing point guard and contributing on the defensive end. Hakeem Olajuwon accompanied his son during the recent visit to the school.

Olajuwon is the first commit for SMU’s 2027 recruiting class. He previously demonstrated his talent in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, averaging 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.