The Olajuwon name is heading back to Texas basketball. Abdul-Malik Olajuwon, the youngest son of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, has made his college decision, giving one of the nation’s notable 2027 prospects a new home. The choice also brings the next generation of the family’s basketball story closer to where Hakeem became a college and NBA icon.

ESPN’s Paul Biancardi reported that Malik Olajuwon has committed to SMU (Southern Methodist University), becoming the first player in coach Andy Enfield’s 2027 recruiting class. 

The four-star guard chose SMU after considering several major programs, including Minnesota, Kansas State, and Virginia Tech. His father was with him during his official visit to Dallas. And Malik said SMU’s plans for him played a major role in the decision. 

“I felt welcomed and understood that they had faith in me and my abilities,” Malik Olajuwon said of SMU. He also cited Enfield’s plan to use him as a point guard and his belief that he can contribute on both ends as freshman.

The commitment sends Malik back to Texas, where he grew up before moving to IMG Academy in Florida. That connection makes the decision especially notable given what his father accomplished in the state. Hakeem Olajuwon spent his college years at the University of Houston before becoming the No. 1 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. 

He later spent 17 seasons with the Houston Rockets, winning two NBA Championships, being the 1994 MVP, and 12x All-Star selections.

However, Malik Olajuwon is developing a very different game.

While his father became one of the NBA’s greatest centers, Malik is a perimeter player, listed at 6’4 to 6’5. He is widely highlighted for his length, shooting, and defensive versatility. He played in the Nike EYBL circuit this spring and summer, averaging 12.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 2.6 apg over 20 games.

His high school production was even better. 

Before transferring to IMG, Malik averaged 21.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 3.0 apg for Fort Bend Clements during the 2025-26 season.

Beyond the numbers, Malik has another side to his game. He has a 6-foot-11 wingspan, giving him the physical profile to defend multiple positions while operating as a ball-handler. SMU (Southern Methodist University) could see him as a big point guard rather than a traditional shooting guard, which matches modern ball.

There is also some international experience behind the prospect. Malik played for Canada at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup this summer, averaging 9.2 ppg and 3.0 rpg across five games as Canada defeated the United States in the championship game. He is eligible for Canada through his mother.

SMU is getting that experience at the start of a new recruiting cycle. Malik is currently the team’s first commitment for 2027, giving Enfield a highly regarded guard to build around. Recruiting services differ on his exact standing. 247Sports currently has him No. 87 nationally, while the SC Next 100 has him considerably higher at No. 57. 

But both place him firmly among the notable prospects in the class. 

The family connection will follow him to Dallas. But Malik has already shown he is more than a famous last name. His game is built on perimeter skills, defensive activity, and ball-handling. And SMU is offering him a chance to develop those traits from the start.

For Hakeem Olajuwon, the commitment brings another son into major college basketball after Aziz Olajuwon joined Stanford’s 2026 class. For Malik, the next step is his own. 

He will arrive at SMU carrying one of the most recognized names in basketball. What he builds with it will define his legacy.