Aziz Olajuwon, a four-star recruit who is the son of legendary Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, announced Saturday that he has committed to Stanford.That rates as a bit of a stunner since one of the other finalists was Houston, where his famous dad was a star in the 1980s Phi Slama Jama era before going on to star in the NBA.But Aziz Olajuwon, a 6-foot-7 forward, called Stanford the best place for him in interviews with at least three outlets on Saturday.”I chose Stanford because it’s a perfect balance of elite academics and high-level basketball,” Olajuwon said. “It’s a place that will challenge me on the court and in the classroom, while also preparing me for life beyond basketball. The culture and tradition at Stanford really stood out to me.”Cincinnati and Vanderbilt were Olajuwon’s other finalists.Olajuwon, a top-40 recruit, represents Stanford’s biggest score on the player front since Kyle Smith became coach following the 2023-24 season.”Coach Smith and really the whole staff are people who really invest in their players, on and off the court,” Olajuwon said. “Their passion, leadership and ability to connect with the teams made a huge impression on me.”Stanford went 21-14 in Smith’s first season but missed the NCAA Tournament for the 11th straight year.