You’ve heard the name. It’s synonymous with the "Dream Shake," two NBA titles, and a defensive dominance that redefined the center position. But if you’re looking for a carbon copy of Hakeem Olajuwon at Aziz Olajuwon IMG Academy, you’re going to be surprised.
Honestly, the 6-foot-7 wing is a completely different animal.
Aziz isn't anchoring the paint or waiting for entry passes in the post. He’s out on the perimeter, hunting three-pointers and defending multiple positions. In August 2025, he made the massive decision to move from Fort Bend Clements High School in Texas to the basketball factory that is IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. It was a business move. He wanted the best competition, the best coaching, and a platform to show that he isn't just "the son of a legend."
The Shift to IMG Academy and the Evolution of a Wing
Transitioning to IMG Academy for his senior season changed everything. It’s one thing to be the big fish in a local Texas pond, but it’s another thing entirely to share the court with four-star and five-star teammates every single day.
Basically, the kid has transformed.
At Clements, he was already putting up big numbers—averaging nearly 20 points and 9 rebounds as a junior. But at IMG, the game is faster. The defenders are longer. Scouts like Adam Finkelstein and Eric Bossi have noted that Aziz has embraced the "late-bloomer" tag. He isn’t just tall; he’s a floor spacer. During the Nike EYBL circuit with JL3 Elite, he shot a blistering 40% from behind the arc.
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Think about that. The son of the greatest post player in history is a knockdown shooter. It’s kinda poetic.
Recruiting Reality: Why Stanford Over Houston?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind was the recruitment. When the son of a Houston Cougars legend is a four-star recruit, you expect him to stay home.
Vanderbilt, TCU, and Cincinnati were all in the mix. Houston definitely offered. But on September 20, 2025, Aziz went his own way. He committed to Stanford University.
Why the Cardinal?
"I chose Stanford because the coaching staff made it clear they care about me not just as an athlete, but as a person," Aziz told reporters. It’s a savvy move. Under coach Kyle Smith, Stanford is building a specific identity in the ACC, and they needed a versatile wing who could shoot. Aziz fits that "3-and-D" archetype perfectly. He’s not trying to fill Hakeem’s size-16 shoes in the paint; he’s trying to build a career that suits the modern NBA.
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Breaking Down the Game
If you watch him play for IMG Academy right now, a few things stand out:
- The Release: It’s compact and quick. He doesn't need much space.
- The Motor: He isn't afraid to bang inside for boards, averaging over 7 rebounds during the summer.
- The Defense: He has those "Olajuwon hands." While he isn't a shot-blocking monster like his dad, he averages 1.4 steals and has a natural instinct for playing passing lanes.
He still has room to grow, of course. His handle can be a bit loose when he's forced to create his own shot in traffic. He’s more of a "straight-line driver" right now than a guy who’s going to break you down with a crossover. But that’s what a year at IMG and four years at Stanford are for.
A Global Perspective
Aziz’s journey isn't just Texas to Florida. It’s international.
He was actually born in Canada while Hakeem was playing his final season for the Toronto Raptors. This past summer, he represented Canada at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland. He wasn't just a benchwarmer either—he was a contributor for a team that finished fifth in the world.
That international experience gave him a level of poise you don't usually see in high school seniors. He's played against grown men in Europe and the best of the best in the US.
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What’s Next for the Young Olajuwon?
The hype is real, but it's grounded. Aziz is currently ranked as a top-60 prospect nationally by most major outlets (No. 40 by ESPN, No. 61 by 247Sports). He isn't a "one-and-done" lock, and that's okay. He's a developmental gem with a high ceiling and a legendary work ethic.
As he finishes his tenure at IMG Academy, keep an eye on his physical development. He’s already up to about 210 pounds, and his frame looks like it can hold another 15-20 pounds of muscle without losing his shooting touch.
If you want to track his progress, follow the box scores for IMG's national schedule. Watch how he handles the pressure of the John Wall Holiday Invitational or the GEICO Nationals. These are the stages where "Hakeem's son" becomes just "Aziz."
Actionable Insights for Following Aziz Olajuwon:
- Watch the Tape: Look for his catch-and-shoot efficiency. If he stays above 38% from three against elite high school competition, he's a Day 1 starter at Stanford.
- Monitor the Frame: See if he starts taking more contact on drives. His ability to finish at the rim will determine if he’s a specialist or a star.
- Check the Schedule: IMG Academy plays a national schedule. Catch a stream of their games on platforms like Synergy or SUVtv to see his defensive versatility in real-time.