Son of NBA Hall-of-Fame center Hakeem Olujawon makes college commitment

On Oct. 1, 2026, Bleacher Report broke the news that Abdul‑Malik Olajuwon, a four‑star shooting guard and son of Hall‑of‑Fame NBA center Hakeem Olajuwon, had chosen his college destination. The announcement appeared at 19:52 UTC. It marked the latest development in the 2027 recruiting cycle, and the announcement arrived just before the NCAA early‑signing period, positioning Olajuwon among the top prospects to lock in a 2027 schedule.

Yahoo Sports framed the decision as a major 2027 recruiting win for Southern Methodist University, while ESPN and USA Today confirmed the commitment to SMU and highlighted the player’s lineage. The New York Post reported the same decision, underscoring the familial link and the impact on the program’s upcoming roster. Coverage noted that SMU’s coaching staff highlighted the player’s defensive pedigree and his potential to follow his father’s professional path.

Headlines differ in spelling of the family name—Olajuwon versus Olujawon—and in whether the son is called Abdul‑Malik or Malik—but all agree on the SMU commitment. No outlet disputes the core fact, leaving the player firmly slated to join SMU in the 2027 season. The variance in spelling reflects editorial differences rather than conflicting reports about his enrollment status.