Top-20 overall recruit Tajh Ariza moves up USC official visit

Tajh Ariza, a high four-star small forward in the 2026 class, has moved up his official visit to USC, according to a source. 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.

Ariza is also scheduled to visit Kansas, North Carolina, and Oregon. In addition to those schools, he also holds offers from Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska, Kansas State, Alabama, UCLA, Washington, Arizona State, and others.

Tajh is the son of 18-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza. Trevor was drafted in the second round by the New York Knicks out of UCLA in 2004. He played for 10 different teams in his career, including the Lakers, Magic, Rockets, Suns, among others.

What Ariza is looking for in a school

In a previous interview with Rivals, Ariza listed what he wants in a college program.

“Really, I’m looking for a welcoming environment. 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. I like to space the floor, run some sets, get out and run, and be around people who just know how to play ball.”

Scouting Report

Rivals’ Jamie Shaw evaluated Ariza at the Tarkanian Classic last winter. 

Tajh Ariza does a lot of things that translate at the highest levels, and that is a lot of the appeal with him. Ariza is a fluid athlete, with his ability to change direction and explode into the play. At 6-foot-8, he is someone who can dribble, shoot, or pass to create an advantage in the half-court. Ariza will need to continue getting stronger, which will help him finish as he gets downhill into the paint, and he will need to continue tightening up his jump shot, especially off movement. The upside is high with Ariza, which is why On3 has him currently among the top 10 players in his class. Continue watching the growth. He finished with a game-high 31 points and 11 rebounds going 11-20 from the field.

Shaw also evaluated Ariza at the John Wall Holiday Invitational.

Tajh Ariza came into the John Wall with the expectations of a top-10 prospect. The son of former NBA champion Trevor Ariza played well, ultimately leading his Los Angeles (CA) Westchester team to a win. The 6-foot-8 Ariza struggled at times to put the ball in the basket, but he finished with a 13 and 13 double-double. Continuing to find ways to positively affect the game, there is still a lot of upside to grow into with Ariza.