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ABU DHABI: Aziz Olajuwon is giving the world an early glimpse of his own “Dream Shake.” The 6-foot-7 forward, son of two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, is putting his footwork, versatility and ambition on display at the NBA Academy Showcase in Abu Dhabi — beginning to spin his famous surname into a career of his own.

The three-day event at NYU Abu Dhabi, running from Sept. 25–27, has brought together elite youth teams from Senegal’s NBA Academy Africa, Australia’s Centre of Excellence, France’s INSEP Academy, and the US-based IMG Academy Ascenders, where Aziz currently plays. Speaking exclusively to Arab News, he explained that with his commitment to Stanford already secured, the Showcase is less about recruitment and more about sharpening his game on a global stage.

“He’s really taught me a lot about just life in general, not just the game,” Aziz said of his father’s influence. “Faith is number one. Whereas the game, he’s talking to me about being confident. The best players have the best confidence and stay confident — whether it’s a good game, bad game, you’re still the same player. But he’s taught me a lot and I’m very grateful for that.”

His father’s footwork remains part of basketball folklore. Aziz admits he has borrowed some of it but is shaping it to fit today’s style of play.

“The Dream Shake, obviously,” he said with a grin. “He’s really taught me a lot about the spin move and he’s really helped me develop my game — that part of my game. Bringing his moves out to the perimeter, it’s all good.

“I think it’s a little different, but you can always learn from his moves and just bring them out to the perimeter,” he added.

At the Showcase, versatility has been Aziz’s calling card.

“I’ll do anything for my team,” he said. “Whatever my team needs, I try to fulfill to the best of my ability. I can really play any position. I can guard any position. And still a lot of work to do.”

That approach will serve him well at Stanford, where he has already committed to begin his college career.

“I’ve actually just committed to Stanford,” the 18-year-old confirmed. “They play in the ACC, so I’m just working this year to go over there and make an impact right away.”

Second-generation players inevitably draw comparisons, with LeBron James and Bronny making headlines for their history-making father-son pairing in the NBA. But Aziz insists he is not distracted by outside noise.

“No, I’m just focused on my own journey, you know,” he said. “My dad says to stick with God and focus on yourself.”

Beyond following in his father’s footsteps, Aziz has set his sights on Canada’s national program, which is enjoying a golden era led by reigning NBA MVP and champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with 2023 NBA champion Jamal Murray. When asked about his long-term ambitions, whether it was reaching the NBA, winning a championship, or chasing Olympic gold with Canada, Aziz couldn’t help but laugh.

“You really named all of them, so that’s funny,” he said. “You know, making the NBA, staying there, and making an impact on the game of basketball. Also on the Canadian side, I want to get an Olympic gold medal. So really just being the best player I can be and see where that goes.”

The NBA Academy Showcase unfolds just days before the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers play two preseason games at Etihad Arena as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ on Thursday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 4.

DUBAI: L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, presented by Skoda and supported by the Dubai Sports Council, has announced new 2026 race routes and more activities, both in the buildup and during the race weekend.

Registration is now open for the event on Jan. 24 and 25 which will give amateur cyclists and enthusiasts the chance to experience the spirit of the world’s most famous cycling race in the UAE.

Eissa Sharif, the director of the Dubai Sports Council’s events department, said the success of the first edition was “a testament to the capability of our national talents in organizing world-class events.”

“This event aligns with the vision of our wise leadership to make Dubai a global hub for sports,” he added.

“We will also leverage it in youth programs and community initiatives to promote a culture of sports and physical activity across society, we extend our gratitude to the Tour de France, our partners, government entities and the public for their trust and support.”

The 2026 edition will feature new routes starting from the Dubai Design District and finishing at Expo Village Park, taking riders past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

From the longer 112-km Epic Race to the more accessible 61-km Classic Race, each course is designed to offer challenges and enjoyment.

The finish line, along with the Saturday non-competitive program, will be hosted at Expo Village Park and include the Family Ride (20 km) and Kids’ Race (300 meters to 1.8 km).

Participants will be able to test themselves in popular sprint sections, compete for famous Tour de France jerseys, and even meet and ride alongside legends of the race.

A key feature of the 2026 edition will be an enhanced Race Village, which will serve as the central hub for riders, families, and fans throughout the weekend.

As an expansion of last year’s program, cyclists across the UAE will have the chance to participate in a series of social rides in the months leading up to the race weekend.

The inaugural edition of L’Etape Dubai had over 1,000 participants, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis, making it the largest cycling event of its kind in the UAE.

This year about 2,000 riders across all categories are expected to participate.

Fairouz Al-Qazi, race director, said this edition will build on last year’s momentum with the new routes and expanded race village.

“With the continued support of Skoda Middle East, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police and our partners, we look forward to welcoming even more riders to share in the unique spirit of the Tour de France here in Dubai.”

Antoine Quiers, project manager of L’Etape Series – Amaury Sport Organisation, said the race has “already established itself as the leading amateur cycling event in the region in just one year.

“In 2026, we are looking forward to building on this success with an even bigger second edition, supported by Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, Skoda Middle East, and all our partners who make this event possible.

“With their continued support, we are confident that L’Etape Dubai will once again be a major success.”