Minnesota’s 2027 recruiting board is starting to take shape, and the Gophers will get a major look this weekend when Malik Olajuwon makes an official visit.
The 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Texas has been one of the fastest risers in the class after a strong summer, climbing from 147th to 87th in the rankings. He’s the kind of perimeter piece Minnesota is targeting to go with its lone commitment so far, four-star forward Isaiah Santos, who pledged in July and has moved from 78th to 54th after his own strong summer.
Olajuwon’s name obviously carries weight. He’s the son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, and his visit figures to draw plenty of attention as Minnesota continues its push for backcourt help.
His summer production backed up the buzz. Playing for JL3 out of Texas, Olajuwon averaged 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists across five games at Peach Jam. He also earned Breakout MVP honors during Session IV and helped Canada’s U18 team win Americup gold.
On film, he doesn’t overwhelm with burst or raw athleticism. Instead, his game is built on smoothness.
He has long arms, a high release point and a clean shot from both deep and the mid-range. The feel stands out more than any one explosive trait, and he plays with a kind of easy flow that makes the whole thing look effortless.
Olajuwon will spend his senior season at IMG Academy in Florida, where he’ll get more focused basketball and strength training.
Minnesota originally had him slated to visit in October, but that trip got moved up and Texas Tech was bumped. That change could matter. It at least suggests the Gophers are getting a closer look sooner than expected.
After this weekend, Olajuwon still has official visits lined up at SMU next weekend, then Kansas State and Virginia Tech in October.
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Junior quarterback Drake Lindsey remains a focal point as Minnesota tries to keep the offense moving, while linebacker Maverick Baranowski continues to give the defense an experienced presence in the middle of it all. Games like this are less about the name on the opponents helmet than what the Gophers can learn about themselves, and Saturday gives them one more chance to build confidence before the schedule gets heavier. [Read more 🡒]