Tajh Ariza, a 6-foot-9 forward who recently transferred to St. John Bosco High School, announced his commitment to the University of Oregon on Friday afternoon, choosing the Ducks over USC.
The five-star recruit is the son of former Los Angeles Lakers forward and NBA champion Trevor Ariza, who starred at Westchester High School before spending a season at UCLA (2003–04) and later winning an NBA title with the Lakers in 2009.
Ranked No. 14 nationally by 247Sports, Tajh revealed his decision live on their platform.
“At first we went up there because of my relationship with Coach (Tony Stubblefield), but it turned out to be an incredible experience,” Ariza told 247Sports. “When I was taking pictures after my visit, Coach (Dana) Altman came over while I was shooting on the arena court and started coaching me right there. I started hitting everything — made like 20 threes in a row — and that moment really stuck with me.”
According to Ariza, Altman envisions him as a versatile playmaker once he arrives in Eugene.
“Coach wants me to be a point forward — handle the ball, play the wing, and make an immediate impact,” he said. “He just wants me to add more weight before I get there.”
Last season, Ariza led Westchester High to a Los Angeles City Section championship, recording 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in a 65–55 win over Chatsworth, which featured Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. The title game, held at Southwest College before 1,800 fans, carried special meaning for the Ariza family — Trevor had guided the same program to four straight championships from 2000 to 2003.
“It’s all connected,” Tajh said after the win. “We brought the City back.”
Source: SI.com
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