Hakeem Olajuwon (via Getty)
Abdul-Malik Olajuwon is one of the rising basketball prospects in the 2027 recruiting class. Hakeem was a 12-time NBA All-Star and won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets. He also won the 1994 NBA MVP award and was the college Player of the Year in 1983 at the University of Houston.
The Texas native has attracted attention for his versatile game, size and ability to play both guard positions. He currently plays for IMG Academy in Florida after transferring from Fort Bend Clements High School. His father is Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
He shot 40.7% from three-point range during that session, according to basketball analytics service Cerebro. Because of his famous family background, the young guard has also made headlines.
“Their belief in me, and their plan for me with their system, fits me very well,” Olajuwon told ESPN. “Coach Enfield is a laid-back guy, but he’s intense,” said Olajuwon, a Texas native who plays at IMG Academy (Florida). He is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Abdul-Malik, however, is building his own basketball journey. He recently committed to the SMU Mustangs and will continue his development under head coach Andy Enfield. “They play to win, and that’s my style. Coach [Andy] Enfield sees me making an impact as a freshman, playing point guard and helping on the defensive end. “He’s not a yeller or a screamer, but he gets his point across. When he talks, the gym becomes silent. Everyone listens to him and respects him.”