Abdul‑Malik Olajuwon, a top‑60 high school basketball recruit and the son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, announced his decision to play for Southern Methodist University (SMU) and join the school’s 2027 class, according to a statement released to ESPN on Thursday.

The announcement comes as SMU’s basketball program, which competes in the American Athletic Conference, has been actively pursuing high‑profile talent in recent recruiting cycles. Olajuwon’s commitment adds a player with a strong basketball pedigree to the roster, and the university’s coaching staff highlighted his potential to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.

For the Olajuwon family, the decision marks the next step in a legacy that began with Hakeem’s dominant NBA career. Abdul‑Malik’s commitment was met with enthusiasm from SMU’s fan base, who are eager to see a player with his skill set help elevate the program’s competitiveness on the national stage.

Looking ahead, Olajuwon will begin his college career in the fall of 2024, and SMU’s coaching staff will prepare to integrate him into the team’s system. The university will likely use his arrival to further strengthen its recruiting pipeline and to enhance its visibility among high‑level prospects.