“He would feel that pressure”: Trevor Ariza opens up about son Tajh’s struggle with teenage insecurities
Former NBA player Trevor Ariza's son, Tajh Ariza, is one of the most talented 16-year-old players in the nation. He is seventh on ESPN's top 100 players from the 2026 talent class and is expected to grow even more as the high school season begins.
However, Ariza's increasing stock came through a fair share of mental challenges. Trevor discusses this in SLAM High School's "A Day in the Life With" series.
"A dad that played professional sports, you got a target on your back," Ariza said. "So, when he was younger, wasn't as confident in himself, he would feel that pressure a little bit, but once we started to work on our game, work on his game, the confidence started to come."
Moreover, Trevor Ariza believes that Tajh's battles with the pressure have made him a more confident and consistent player.
"And he started to notice that everybody is coming after you, regardless you ranked high, you just got the last name, so they try to check that trout. They're going to see what going on. He understands that, I think him understanding that has prepared him more to understand that he's going to bring it every single night," Ariza added.
Tajh Ariza is the top-ranked small forward in California, known to assert his 6-foot-8 frame on both ends of the court. What separates him is his point guard role, enabling him to read pick and rolls, split double teams and maintain a fluidity of the offense.
Tajh Ariza already has Divison I offers
Two years remain before college scouts can fully pen down Ariza’s player reports. However, the bouncy shooting forward has already garnered offers from Division I programs like the Arizona State Sun Devils, UNLV Rebels, Washington Huskies, Kansas Jayhawks, USC Trojans, Arkansas Razorbacks and his father’s alma mater, the UCLA Bruins.
Tajh Ariza has not visited any programs yet. His focus is purely on the hardwood as he strives to improve his overall craft. Moreover, he is working in the weight room to strengthen and complement his game.
He transferred to Westchester Senior High School this spring, where his father played in 2000 and led the school to the California State Championship.