The Oregon Ducks have landed a major basketball commitment for their 2026 recruiting class. Tajh Ariza, a top-25 national prospect and the son of former NBA forward Trevor Ariza, announced Friday that he will play for Dana Altman’s Oregon program, choosing the Ducks over USC.
Ariza, ranked No. 24 overall in the SC Next 100, had long been weighing Oregon and USC as his top two options. His recruitment saw momentum shift between the programs over the past few weeks, particularly after he canceled a visit to Kansas and removed Kentucky from consideration.
Ariza Chooses Development and Fit in Eugene
Speaking to ESPN, Ariza said the Ducks’ commitment to player development and Altman’s straightforward coaching style were decisive factors in his decision.
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“They are going to prepare me for the next level,” Ariza said. “Coach Altman told me they have minutes for me as a freshman, but that I have to earn them. He said, ‘We must see your work.’ That meant a lot to me — I know nothing will be handed to me.”
During his official visit to Eugene earlier this fall, Ariza said he immediately felt a connection with Altman and his staff. “The visit was great,” he said. “Coach Altman is a basketball guy, but he really connected with me and my family. He sees me not just as a basketball player but as a person.”
He described a moment during his visit that sealed the decision. “I was shooting in the gym wearing the Oregon uniform, and Coach Altman corrected my shot,” Ariza said. “After that, I made almost 30 threes in a row. I got chills — that’s when I felt he was the coach for me.”
A Rising Star in the 2026 Class
At 6-foot-9, Ariza brings a rare blend of length, athleticism, and versatility. Playing for St. John Bosco High School in California, he has been one of the most sought-after small forwards in the country. Before suffering an injury that sidelined him this summer, he played for Team Why Not on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he impressed scouts with his poise, playmaking, and perimeter efficiency.
Ariza is regarded as a true triple-threat forward — capable of scoring, creating, and defending at a high level. His jump shot and ballhandling stand out, but analysts say his passing might be his most underrated asset. Many project him as a potential point forward, capable of initiating offense thanks to his court vision and touch.
“He has all the tools,” one West Coast recruiter said. “He can hit shots, make plays for teammates, and rebound like a big. He’s long, fluid, and confident. Oregon just landed a program-changing player.”
Oregon Building Momentum on the Recruiting Trail
Ariza’s commitment marks the second major pledge for Oregon’s 2026 class. He joins Kendre Harrison, a two-sport standout who committed to Oregon last November to play both basketball and football. Harrison ranks No. 61 in basketball’s SC Next 100 and No. 12 overall in football for 2026.
For head coach Dana Altman, Ariza’s commitment is his biggest recruiting win since securing Kwame Evans Jr. and Mookie Cook in the 2023 class. It also underscores Oregon’s growing reputation as a destination for elite talent, particularly versatile forwards who thrive in Altman’s motion-heavy, defensive-minded system.
Ariza’s decision could also have ripple effects across the national recruiting landscape. Analysts say his move might influence Tyran Stokes, the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, who is also considering Oregon, Kentucky, Kansas, and USC. Stokes is expected to announce his college choice soon.
A New Generation Continues the Ariza Legacy
For Tajh Ariza, basketball excellence runs in the family. His father, Trevor Ariza, enjoyed a 16-year NBA career that included a 2009 championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. The younger Ariza, however, is carving out his own path — one defined by a balance of humility and ambition.
“I grew up watching my dad’s highlights,” he said. “He always told me to love the game and respect it. That’s how I approach every day — work hard, stay grounded, and make your own name.”
Oregon fans are already buzzing about the addition. With Ariza’s combination of skill, size, and basketball IQ, he could become the next cornerstone of Altman’s program — and perhaps the face of a new era in Eugene.
As one scout put it, “If Tajh Ariza reaches his potential, Oregon didn’t just land a top-25 recruit — they landed their next star.”
