Meet Hakeem Olajuwon: The African Giant Who Ruled the NBA

Hakeem Olajuwon cannot be omitted when discussing African basketball. We can call the Nigerian NBA star an icon because, as a 7-foot wonder, he had one of the cleanest footwork arsenals the game has ever seen.

We cannot base Olajuwon’s story on just his statistics and achievements, but also on being an inspiration to millions of Africans and one of the key pioneers of basketball on the continent, dominating a league previously dominated by players born in the United States.

Sport Blot hits all the right notes on this piece while introducing you to the life and legacy of NBA legend, Hakeem Olajuwon.

Hakeem Olajuwon: Humble Beginnings

Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, on January 21st, 1963. His story is inspiring because basketball wasn’t popular in many Nigerian neighbourhoods at the time, and his initial interest and dream were in becoming a professional footballer.

Young Hakeem started off as a promising goalkeeper, a trait that would later become valuable in his career as a professional NBA player. He was raised in a pious Muslim family, and many could tell that he is disciplined based on the virtues instilled in him at an early age. His origins stayed with him throughout his career, influencing his playstyle and personality off the court.

Olajuwon’s key turning point was when he was introduced to basketball as a teenager. Even though he started late, scouts showed interest in his innate athleticism and work ethic.

From Lagos to America

The Lagos boy soon took off to America and enrolled at the University of Houston under head coach Guy Lewis. Hakeem joined the Phi Slama Jama, which would later become legendary with other basketball players like Clyde Drexler.

Houston benefited greatly from Olajuwon’s rebounding, post-moves, and shot-blocking skills, helping them get to three Final Fours. Despite never winning the NCAA championship, their impact remains evident on collegiate basketball today.

Hakeem Olajuwon was able to nurture his skills in college, improving and adopting the American style of play, which was beneficial in securing his place on the biggest platform.

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Hakeem Olajuwon’s Career Highlight

Olajuwon officially joined the NBA Draft in 1984 and played centre in the NBA while playing for the Houston Rockets. We could refer to the 1984 NBA Draft as one of the most packed classes ever. Alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, who went first overall to the Houston Rockets, were Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Ralph Sampson, and John Stockton, among other elite stars.

The Rockets, in a draft that featured the best player of all time, said: “Yeah, we want the Nigerian guy.” Hakeem was a force to be reckoned with from the very beginning, becoming the “Twin Towers” with Ralph Sampson and turning the Houston Rockets into serious contenders.

Sampson was later transferred to the Golden State Warriors in 1988, leaving Olajuwon to lead the Rockets solely. His contribution was effective and significant in the team’s victories, leading in rebounds and blocks.

He was a matchup nightmare due to his skills, size, and intellect on the court. He was unlike anything the league had ever seen.

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dominance in the ‘90s

Basketball was ready to see a new face when Michael Jordan temporarily exited the sport before the 1993-94 season to pursue baseball. Hakeem was able to fill the void, guiding the Rockets to consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and 1995 by defeating titans like Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, and Patrick Ewing.

Hakeem went on to win two NBA Finals MVP awards, was selected to the All-NBA First Team six times, and was crowned league MVP in 1994. He still holds the record for the most blocked shots in NBA history, even more than any basketball legend you know.

The Dream Shake: A Move That Redefined Footwork

Hakeem Olajuwon’s trademark move was the Dream Shake, a move that rendered defenders motionless or prostrating on the floor via a poetic, nearly hypnotic flurry of fakes, spins, and pivots.

The Dream Shake grew so popular that it was taught in basketball clinics all over the world. Before Hakeem, men of his size didn’t move like that.  Watch Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake Move.

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James sought the guidance of Hakeem. The 62-year-old legend once said, “I’ve worked with a lot of players, but the one who really capitalised on it the most is Kobe Bryant. When I watch him play, he’ll go down in the post comfortably, naturally, and he’ll execute it perfectly.”

Kobe Bryant, before his unfortunate demise, famously referred to Hakeem as the “most fundamentally sound big man ever.”

Olajuwon also mentored other big men like Dwight Howard and Amar’e Stoudemire, visiting his private gym in Houston just to take unfiltered information directly from the basketball legend.

Other Mentees

In being real and honest, basketballers like Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka, and Joel Embiid probably wouldn’t be in the game if not for Hakeem Olajuwon. Cameroonian and American professional basketballer Joel Embiid once referred to Olajuwon as his “idol” and his favourite of all time. He worked really hard in mastering his idol’s moves and skills. Watch Highlight.

Following his ascent, NBA scouts began to take Africa seriously, driving significant growth to the continent’s skill pool through programs like Basketball Without Borders and the NBA Academy Africa.

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Achievements

Hakeem Olajuwon’s jersey (#34) is displayed with utmost pride in the rafters of the Toyota Centre in Houston, and outside the arena is a bronze statue that captures his mid-Dream Shake.

Let us check out some of Olajuwon’s in-game achievements:

• First non-American to be an NBA All-Star and start in an NBA All-Star Game
• First non-American to win the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
• First Player in history to win the NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP awards in one season. This was the same season his Rockets won back-to-back championships.
• A member of the gold medal-winning United States national basketball team in 1996.
• Selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
• Honoured as one of the league’s greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
• Ended his career as the league’s all-time leader in blocks (3,830).
• One of the four players to record a quadruple-double.

Hakeem Olajuwon won several trophies with his team, including winning the NBA All-Star 12 times, the NBA Championships, among many others.

It was an obvious choice for the legend to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. 

How about his career statistics? 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Net Worth

According to several online sources, Hakeem Olajuwon’s net worth is currently estimated at $300 million. Following his retirement, he turned to real estate and became successful. His success in the industry ranges from skyscrapers, multi-million dollar developments around Texas, and commercial properties.

In conclusion, what does Hakeem Olajuwon represent for the sports industry? A Hall of Famer isn’t all that he is. He is more than an icon and a trailblazer. He serves as a bridge that spans continents.