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Hakeem Olujuwan signs autographs. Photo by University of Houston Digital Library- Wikimedia commons

Top 10 Facts about Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, previously known as Akeem Olajuwon (born January 21, 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria; pronounced ah-KEEM ah-LAH-zhoo-wahn), is a retired Nigerian-American basketball player. He is largely viewed as one of the greatest athletes of in all history.

Some deem him to be the best defensive player in NBA history. Hakeem Olajuwon travelled from his native Nigeria to play basketball in the United States. He was a two-time NBA (National Basketball Association) champion with the Houston Rockets.

Due to his grace both on and off the court, he was nicknamed “The Dream” during his career, which was often extended to “Hakeem the Dream.” His signature move was known as the “Dream Shake.”

He also referred to himself as “Little Moses” after one of his idols, Moses Malone, who played for the Houston Rockets while Olajuwon was a member of the University of Houston Cougars men’s basketball team.

1.Hakeem changed his name for various possible reasons

There are several possible explanations for Hakeem Olajuwon’s name change. One possible explanation could be that he preferred to use the more common spelling of his name. Another possibility is that he was interested in spirituality and aspired to be a more devout Muslim. Olajuwon’s name change, for whatever reason, is an intriguing aspect of his story.

2.Hakeem’s early years and the start of his interest in basketball

Hakeem Olajuwon was born in Nigeria. He relocated to the United States just before starting college. He didn’t start playing basketball until he was 15 years old however, his skill was evident from the start. It took him no time at all to understand the sport.

3.He was a master at the sport after just two years

The 7-foot (2.13-metre) center was selected to play college basketball in the United States at the University of Houston after two years of acquainting himself with the sport. Houston progressed to the Final Four (national championship semifinals) of the 1982 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament in Olajuwon’s first season (see March Madness).

The following year, Houston returned to the Final Four but lost the national championship game in a significant upset to North Carolina State University; despite this, Olajuwon was named the tournament’s Most Valued Player.

In 1984, Houston progressed to the NCAA tournament final game once again however, Olajuwon’s team was defeated by Georgetown University, led by star player Patrick Ewing.

4.His professional basketball career in the beginning stage

Hakeem Olajuwon’s retired number at the University of Houston in Hofheinz Pavilion. Photo by Nick Juhasz- Wikimedia commons

The University of Houston recruited Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984. His height (7′) and skill in other sports, such as football, gave him an added benefit in the game. Others may have questioned him at first however, he instantly demonstrated that he has what it takes to stay in the game.

For his dream-like abilities on the court, he was later dubbed “The Dream.” He was the number one choice in the NBA draft for his team at the end of his first season.

Hakeem Olajuwon kept playing for the same team for several seasons, accumulating accolades along the way. He broke a record with 200 blocks and steals in his 1988 season. He continued to play for the team, making history and winning awards until 1996, when he took a break to join the Olympic basketball team.

5.His amazing skill set, the “Dream Shake”  made basketball history

Olajuwon dropped out of college after his junior year and was drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA Draft. The Rockets made the playoffs in his first year with the team, and they nearly missed out on the championship in his second, falling to the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals.

The Rockets fell back a little in the years that followed, only making it past the first round of the playoffs once between 1987 and 1992 however, Olajuwon maintained his outstanding independent play, emphasised by his persevering defensive skills and remarkably skilful footwork on attack.

The “Dream Shake” was his signature move, a number of feints, spins, and drop steps he would operate near the basket that frequently confused opposing players and left Olajuwon with an easy layup.

6.Hakeem got an amazing contract deal with Toronto Raptors in 2001

The Toronto Raptors gave Olajuwon an offer he could not refuse, a more successful deal, so he left Houston. The Raptors promised Hakeem $17 million over the period of two years, whereas the Rockets presented him only $13 million. Furthermore, the Raptors were prepared to offer Hakeem a position as an assistant coach, which he was willing to participate in.

7.As per some people, Hakeem was much more effective on the court during Ramadan

Hakeem Olajuwon playing basketball at the University of Houston. Photo by University of Houston Digital Library- Wikimedia commons

Personal understanding is required. Numerous individuals believe Hakeem was faster during Ramadan because he was still able to play nearly 40 minutes per game amidst fasting from sunrise to sunset. This would imply that he possessed a greater standard of stamina and was capable of keeping his performance irrespective of the considerable difficulties of fasting.

8.His private life and other interests aside from basketball

On August 8, 1996, Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi in Houston. The couple is the parents of four children. Olajuwon also has an older daughter, Abisola, from his previous marriage to Lita Spencer, whom he met in college. Abisola played in the WNBA and represented the West Girls in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Olajuwon is bilingual and can speak in French, Arabic, and the Nigerian languages of Yoruba and Ekiti, in addition to English fluently. In 1996, he co-wrote his memoir, Living the Dream, with co-author Peter Knobler. Olajuwon earned more than $110 million in salary during his 18-year NBA career.

9.His endorsement deals with shoe brands to help the less fortune communities

After his rookie year, Olajuwon signed a five-year, $2.5 million contract to promote Etonic Shoes with a tag line, the Dream Shoe. Fairly late in his career, he signed a shoe sponsorship agreement with LA Gear and became the face of Spalding’s athletic shoe line, as well as promoted a sneaker that retailed for $34.99.

This made him among the few famous players in any professional sport to promote a sneaker that wasn’t made by Nike, Reebok, Adidas, or another high-profile retail brand. “How can a poor working mother with three boys buy Nikes or Reeboks that cost $120?” Olajuwon asked. She simply cannot. As a result, children steal these shoes from stores and from other children. They will sometimes kill for them.

10.All the great achievements he accomplished during his professional career

Hakeem Olujuwan signs autographs. Photo by University of Houston Digital Library- Wikimedia commons

In the mid-1990s, Olajuwon attained the greatest status of his professional life. He was declared Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA in 1992-93 and 1993-94, as well as the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1993-94. His MVP season culminated in a seven-game victory over the New York Knicks in the NBA finals, for which Olajuwon was named finals MVP.

The following year, he led the Rockets to their second championship and was named finals MVP once more. In the late 1990s, his output dipped due to injuries and age, and he was sold to the Toronto Raptors in 2001, where he played only one season before stepping down in 2002.

At the time of his retirement, Olajuwon was the NBA’s 7th all-time leader in scored points (26,946) and 11th in rebounds (13,748); he was also the league’s all-time leader in blocked shots (3,830). Olajuwon was a 12-time All-Star and was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in 1996. He was honored into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.