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WATCH: Trevor Ariza's son Tajh Ariza prepares for High School Fall Invite game against SoCal
Former NBA Champ and Los Angeles Lakers player Trevor Ariza's son Tajh Ariza is a five-star recruit in the Class of 2026. He also ranks seventh in the 2026 ESPN 60 Recruiting Database.
Ranking second in his position, the 6'7" forward received five stars from ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports. However, On3 considers him a four-star recruit. Ariza was seen training with Lyntrel C. Smith (Athlete Injury Prevention/Speed Specialist), ahead of his game against SoCal at the High School Fall Invite.
The 16-year-old from Westchester Senior School of Los Angeles, California, played in the Nike EYBL E15 Circuit and averaged 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.
Furthermore, in his appearances at the Nike EYBL 17U Circuit, Ariza played for Team Why Not and averaged 5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Furthermore, the Playa Del Rey, California native has a NIL valuation of 209K (according to On3). With one more year left before he starts his collegiate career, Ariza has received plenty of offers from colleges like USC, UCLA, UNLV, Kansas, Washington, Arizona State, Arkansas, Kentucky and more.
Tajh Ariza also appeared in an interview with Slam Online and talked about wanting to create his own legacy:
“I gotta keep putting in work every day,” Tajh told Slam Online. “You know, my dad [had a] great career, but I want to have my own name and show people like, 'Oh, I want to be like him, you know?' So I just gotta keep working so I can get there.”
Which college will recruit Tajh Ariza?
Ariza has plenty of offers on the table. However, what makes him an exception is that he is only the seventh player to receive an offer from the Kentucky Wildcats and head coach Mark Pope. Distance-wise, the program is 1,908 miles away from him, however, he still has one more year to decide.
According to On3's prediction machine, the USC Trojans have the highest chance with a 17.4% prediction to recruit Ariza. This is followed by UCLA (15.2%), and UNLV (13%). Kansas (10.9%), Washington, Arizona State, Arkansas and Kentucky have a 10.9% chance of recruiting Tajh Ariza.
Director of Scouting for 247Sports, Adam Finkelstein commended Ariza after his performance at the USA Basketball U17 Trials:
"In the class of 2026, Tajh Ariza has been a notable standout thus far. The jumbo wing is showing off big-time athleticism in the open floor, been flying at the glass as a perimeter rebounder, and providing a consistent shooting threat from beyond the arc."
Where do you think Tajh Ariza will begin his collegiate career?
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