Stanford secures elite 2026 basketball recruits including NBA legend's son

Stanford University has made significant strides in its 2026 basketball recruiting class by securing commitments from top prospects including four-star guard Elias Obenyah and small forward Aziz Olajuwon, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Obenyah, a versatile 6-foot-5 combo guard, praised Stanford's culture of demanding excellence both athletically and academically, while Olajuwon was drawn to Stanford's balance of elite academics and competitive basketball, choosing the Cardinal over Houston, Cincinnati, and Vanderbilt. Olajuwon's commitment marks a notable departure from following in his father's footsteps at Houston, a program with a storied NBA pipeline and historic success. Stanford's basketball program, under coach Kyle Smith, is on the rise, having achieved a 21-win season and a seven-win improvement in their first ACC year, aiming to return to the NCAA tournament. The addition of Olajuwon, projected as an immediate starter with his NBA-ready size and scoring ability, alongside potential recruit Maxime Meyer, signals a potentially transformative period for Stanford basketball. These commitments elevate Stanford's 2026 class into the top tier nationally, highlighting the program's growing appeal to high-level talent who value both basketball and academic excellence.