By Shane Baran
It’s not everyday you find a five-star athlete that strives for challenges over comfort, but at the Panini Hoophall Classic, one was on display for Link Academy.
Tajh Ariza, son of 18-year NBA veteran Trevor Ariza, has put the country on notice as his national ranking continues to climb even after his commitment to Oregon in November. Regardless of his name he seeks out discomfort most players in his situation would shy away from.
With an NBA father, most would expect a spot in the league, and to glide into the draft green room without a worry, almost banking on their parents’ success to lead to their own. Ariza is the opposite.
“I’m trying to make my own name,” Ariza said. “So I’m just playing for my own name, and my dad was who he was, but I’m trying to be who I am.”
Tahj is undoubtedly being who he is, a star in the making. Coming in at ESPN’s No. 30 ranked player in the country, the 6-foot-9 small forward has a skillset built for the modern game. Fantastic defensive instincts, elite quickness, and a fluid three point shot, he provides exactly what any team would want out of their forward position.
You might not think of a defensive specialist and three point shooting wing when you hear “five star,” but that’s just what Ariza wants.
“My thing right now, I’m anchoring my game on my defense, I’m just playing off the ball, being able to get stops to get rebounds,” Ariza said.
Link Academy Head Coach Chad Myers had high praise for his elite wing.
“I think he’s been unbelievable, he really wants to be a great defender, and he’s trying to be a role player on this team,” Myers said. “I think him coming to Link shows maturity. By him going to a situation that wasn’t easy, right? And he’s got to try to find a role in this team. We have a lot of good players. So I think he does want to be coached, obviously, and he put himself in that situation.”
Now there’s two things that don’t go together, 5 star, and role player. Yet Ariza embraces it. After transferring to Link in October, he didn’t come to be the leading scorer or handle the ball every possession as Link was already loaded with nationally ranked talent.
Surely with a notable name on the back of his jersey giving him all the extra attention he wants, and coming to Link to be a “role player”, his humbleness and “get it on my own” mentality would wear off when he goes to college. But if that’s where you’re expecting this to go, you don’t know Tajh Ariza. He’s staying true to the mentality that has gotten him to this position, not anyone else’s expectations. For him their sales pitch was simple.
“I think for me what stood out was that they’re going to hold me accountable,” Ariza said. “I mean every school is going to hold you accountable, but I think it just felt right. Dana Altman told me, ‘I’m going to put my trust in you, we need you next year.’ But you have to put the work in as well, and, you know, that’s all I’m about just getting better.”
Myers sees the same reasons for his commitment.
“I think in the last couple weeks, he’s really just bought in like, how can he improve every single day and every aspect?” Myers said. “You know, I am hard on him, but I know he’s got a chance to be special, so that’s why we do that every day.”
That drive and work ethic is what sets Ariza apart from most kids, but especially ones coming from basketball excellence. Taking the path through the woods rather than the yellow brick road. The attitude is simple.
“It’s about just staying sure of your work and staying committed to everything you do,” Ariza said. “It helps you with everything.”
After a massive win today over Montverde, anchored by his defense, Tajh will only continue to grow and write his own story of the Ariza name that resides on the back of his jersey.
Photo courtesy of River Mitchell/The Student