Aziz Olajuwon Showcases Talent in Abu Dhabi as He Charts His Own Basketball Journey

Aziz Olajuwon, son of NBA legend Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, is beginning to carve out a name for himself on the basketball court, displaying his growing skillset at the NBA Academy Showcase in Abu Dhabi this week.

The 18-year-old forward, standing 6-foot-7, took the floor at NYU Abu Dhabi from Sept. 25 to 27, joining top youth squads from around the world, including Senegal’s NBA Academy Africa, Australia’s Centre of Excellence, France’s INSEP Academy, and the US-based IMG Academy Ascenders, where he currently plays. With his college future already decided — he has committed to Stanford University — the Showcase was less about attracting recruiters and more about refining his game against elite international competition.

Aziz acknowledges the profound influence of his father, a two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer whose trademark “Dream Shake” remains part of basketball lore. “He’s really taught me a lot about just life in general, not just the game,” Aziz said. “Faith is number one. In basketball, he always talks to me about being confident. The best players stay confident whether it’s a good game or a bad game.”

While he admits to borrowing some of his father’s signature moves, Aziz is adapting them for the modern game. “The Dream Shake, obviously,” he said with a smile. “He’s really taught me the spin move, and I’ve tried to bring that to the perimeter. It’s a little different, but you can always learn from his moves.”

At the Showcase, his versatility has been his standout trait. “I’ll do anything for my team,” he said. “Whatever my team needs, I try to fulfill. I can really play and guard any position. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m ready.”

Looking ahead, Aziz is eager to make an immediate impact at Stanford when he begins competing in the ACC next year. “I’m just working this year to go over there and make an impact right away,” he noted.

As a second-generation player, comparisons are inevitable. Recent headlines have focused on LeBron James and his son Bronny making history as the NBA’s first father-son duo to play together. But Aziz insists he is focused solely on his own path. “I’m just focused on my journey,” he said. “My dad always tells me to stick with God and focus on yourself.”

Beyond college and the NBA, Aziz has his sights set on representing Canada at the international level. Inspired by the success of stars like NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and champion Jamal Murray, he hopes to add Olympic gold to his ambitions. “Making the NBA, staying there, making an impact, and winning Olympic gold with Canada — those are the goals,” he said.

The Showcase in Abu Dhabi comes just ahead of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, where the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers will play preseason matches at Etihad Arena on Oct. 2 and 4.