Abdul-Malik Olajuwon, pikin of Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, don join SMU Mustangs ahead of the new NCAA season. The Canadian youth international go suit up for ACC, the same conference as Duke.
For SMU, the 1.95m combo guard go line up alongside Jermaine O'Neal Jr, another prospect wey get NBA papa. Abdul-Malik also visit Kansas State, Minnesota and Virginia Tech before e choose the Dallas-based program. His papa follow am go for the visit.
"My papa follow me for the visit and e think say this decision correct for me. I also lean on my big brother advice, wey don already pass through this process. E tell me say make I no only think about basketball, but also about the long term," Abdul-Malik tell ESPN.
No be like Hakeem, the 2.13m two-time NBA champion, MVP and Defensive Player of the Year with the Houston Rockets, Abdul-Malik dey play for the perimeter. SMU see am as decision-maker wey fit run the offence or play off the ball, and e get long wingspan wey allow am read passing lanes and generate steals.
"Dem see me as player wey fit take correct decisions. I be leader wey fit play with or without the ball. For defence, my wingspan dey help me collect plenti steals and deflect plenti passes," e tok. SMU go count on e playmaking and passing as e start e road go the next NBA Draft.
