"I just want to go to the place that best fits me": Trevor Ariza's son Tajh Ariza opens up on his thoughts on college recruitment

Former NBA player Trevor Ariza's son, Tajh Ariza, has starred at his father’s alma mater, Westchester High School in Los Angeles. However, as offers pour in for the small forward, who is ranked No. 3 nationally in the Class of 2026, he remains open-minded about his next steps.

"People think that I'm staying on the West Coast, but I just want to go to the place that best fits me," Ariza told 247Sports in a story published last week. “I’ve lived in places like Houston, North Carolina, and even DC with my dad, so I'm interested in anywhere, not just the West Coast."

Although Trevor Ariza played one season at UCLA, he moved throughout his 18-year NBA career, playing for 10 franchises, including two stints with the LA Lakers, Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards.

Trevor Ariza's son Tajh Ariza opens up on his thoughts on college recruitment. (Image via Instagram @tajhariza)

As one of the top-ranked players in the country, Ariza is no stranger to the pressures of the spotlight. However, he remains focused on self-improvement and maintaining a grounded approach to his game.

"Right now, I think I'm handling it pretty well and getting better every game," Ariza said. "... I'm just focusing on getting better every game, doing something better every game, staying where I'm supposed to be, and doing what I need to do to go higher."

Ariza also touched on what it feels like being the son of a 17-year NBA veteran. He said that the comparisons to his dad, Trevor Ariza, are inevitable, but he is determined to distinguish himself:

"Ever since I was little, I've been trying to carve out my own thing ... and not trying to stay as just Trevor Ariza's son. ... There's going to be comparisons because that's my dad but I'm trying to make my own name out here," Ariza said.

What's next for Tajh Ariza

With offers from programs like Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, USC and more, Ariza has a range of attractive options to choose from. After his recent visit to USC, he emphasized the importance of development and fit in his recruitment process.

"I'm trying to be one-and-done, so I'm looking for a program that can develop me the fastest. The fit is important and coaches who will push me and believe in my ability. I love to win so I want a winning program."

As he continues his journey, Tajh Ariza is proving he's more than just Trevor Ariza's son; he's a rising star poised to leave his own mark.