Trevor Ariza had a long and productive NBA career. Now, his son is embarking on a journey to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Tahj Ariza is a highly touted 2026 recruit who has garnered the attention of several top college programs. Ariza was slated to make his first college visit in September, but has since moved it up to this upcoming weekend, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. He will make the short trek from Play del Ray (CA) to USC on Aug. 26.

“Tajh Ariza, a high four-star small forward in the 2026 class, has moved up his official visit to USC, according to a source,” Tipton said. “The 6-foot-8 rising senior of St. John Bosco (CA) was originally scheduled to be visiting the Trojans in mid-September, but the trip has been moved to this weekend. This will be his first official visit.”

18-Year NBA Veteran’s Son’s First Official Visit Will Be To Big 10 Newbie, Also Slated To Make Trips To A Pair Of Blue Blood Programs

USC has been among the schools that have been “in on Ariza” the longest. USC and Washington were the first programs to extend an offer to Ariza, both making their official overtures on December 5. Ariza owns 16 overall scholarship offers, including Ariza’s father’s school (UCLA) and CSU-Northridge.

Photo credit: Alex Martin/Journal-Courier

USC is coming off its second straight losing season, going 17-18 last season, including 7-13 in its first year in the Big 10. Second-year coach Eric Musselman has retooled his roster with 13 newcomers, including 10 transfers. The Trojans will be an experienced squad this year with seven seniors and graduate students.

USC doesn’t have any commitments for 2026. Ariza’s teammate at St. John Bosco, Christian Collins, is among the Trojans’ top targets.  Baba Oladutin, Josh Irving, and Trevon Carter Givens are the Trojans’ other top targets in the class.

Tahj Ariza’s Scouting Report

Ariza is a smooth, high-IQ, versatile playmaking wing who is highly skilled with great size. The 17-year-old has transferred to St. John Bosco for his senior year after a terrific junior campaign at Westchester, where he averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists per game. However, injuries kept him out for most of the spring/summer EYBL session. He has also been part of USA Basketball youth training camps since 2023, including the  2025 USA Men’s U19 National Team. 

A consensus top 25 recruit, Ariza is ranked as at least a four-star prospect by all three recruiting services. Ariza is given five stars and ranked No. 8 in the nation by 247Sports. Meanwhile, Rivals and ESPN have him as a four-star prospect, ranking him at No. 14 and 24, respectively.

“Ariza is a budding jumbo wing who has glaring two-way tools and has continued to grow late into his high school years,” 247Sports Director of Recruiting Adam Finkelstein said in his scouting report. “Now standing at 6-foot-9 with a better than 7-foot wingspan, he has tremendous positional size and length. He’s also a fluid mover who runs the floor beautifully, covers the court, is a high-rising vertical athlete, and even has naturally soft hands and quick reactions. Ariza needs to keep getting stronger and fill out his frame, but can already fit into a high-level game.”

So, while Ariza may struggle to score and pressure the rim at times, he still possesses a wealth of two-way tools that translate to the highest levels, thanks to his size, length, athleticism, shooting, and defensive potential.

Upcoming Visits and What Ariza’s Is Looking For In A School

USC, Washington, and UCLA are not the only Big 1o programs that are interested in Ariza. Oregon has also offered Ariza, along with Alabama, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, Kansas, Arizona State, and Texas, among others.

Ariza has three other officials set up, all of them slated for September. He is slated to visit Oregon (Sept. 6), UNC (Sept. 12), and Kansas (Sept. 26). Ariza received a home visit from Kentucky’s Mark Pope this past April.

According to Rivals’ Jaime Shaw, UNC and USC have a slight edge on Ariza’s recruitment. However, it is not a sure thing. Shaw added that Ariza, who has signed with Klutch Sports and has a $ 728,000 NIL valuation, is open to waiting until the late signing period to make a decision.

“Really, I’m looking for a welcoming environment,” Ariza told Shaw in June. “I’m also looking for coaches that are going to hold me accountable and develop me, because I’m not trying to stay in college for more than a year. I’m trying to get in and get out. So, I want to play for someone who has the same vision as me. I want to win and I want to develop, so I want to play for a coach that is going to push me.”

“I’m comfortable playing in a pro-style-type offense.” Ariza continued. “I like to space the floor, run some sets, get out and run, and be around people who just know how to play ball.”

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images