Louisiana State University/Getty Images 4. In 1993-94, Hakeem Olajuwon became the first player to be named MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP in the same season. He doesn't know where you're gonna turn and when. The other centers who have played at that level have seen their talent translate well to the NFL (Frank Ragnow and Tyler Linderbaum). However, his production was slipping and he played just two more years in Houston, averaging less than 12.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg. He also led the NBA in blocked shots in 1989-90 with 4.59 per game and in 1990-91 at 3.95 per contest. $5.30 shipping. Slouching doesn't add height. Projected: PFA, Manchester City has a job to finish in the Champions League quarterfinals, Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard will remain with the Jumbo-Visma team until the end of 2027, Ryan Hartman scored 12:20 into the second overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in their playoff opener Monday night, and into Tuesday morning, Alex Iafallo scored in OT to lift the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to open their first-round playoff series, Daniel Vogelbach homered and drove in three runs, Brett Baty delivered an RBI single in his season debut and the New York Mets rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-6 for their fifth straight victory. Menu. The Boston Celtics, champs in 1981 and 1984, had a formidable front line of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish and defeated the Rockets in six games. Beginning in the 1997-98 season, Olajuwon began to miss time due to injuries and played just 47 games that year. [55] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, with a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game. Hakeem Olajuwon attended Muslim Teachers College in Lagos, Nigeria and Houston. The Rockets all-time leader at the time of his retirement in a host of categories, including points, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots (All-time NBA leader with 3,830) had his jersey No. ft inches. The Rockets' two-year championship run ended when they were eliminated in the second round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs by the eventual Western Conference Champion Seattle SuperSonics. The Dream was recorded in bare feet at 6 feet 10.75 inches. Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 18 April 2023, at 01:19. He's one of the richest NBA players to play the game. [7] He is considered a Houston icon and one of the city's most beloved citizens. [68], In addition to English, Olajuwon is fluent in French, Arabic, and the Nigerian languages of Yoruba and Ekiti. Hakeem Olajuwon [PSA 5 EX] 2 from. [22] The Rockets finished 5131,[21] and advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they faced the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. $175.00. His massive hands (11 1/4 inches) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Twenty-Seven of the companies are still active while the remaining thirteen are now listed as inactive. [30] Despite his usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team out of mediocrity. [55] He led the NBA in rebounding twice, during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Olajuwon ranked fourth in the league in rebounding and second in blocked shots with 2.68 per game. D raft E xpress. For winning 2 championships for the Rockets in a difficult 90's era. [50] Olajuwon was again named Finals MVP. 34 Rockets jersey and pulled off a turn-around jumper that delighted the current NBA stars on the Team Africa and Team World rosters. Olajuwon outscored O'Neal in every game,[43] scoring more than 30 points in each and raising his regular-season rate by five while O'Neal's production dropped by one. And even with the addition of Barkley before the 1996-97 season, which reinvigorated the Rockets, the team lost in six games to the Jazz in the Western Conference Finals. [83] In 2010, Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard, helping him diversify his post moves and encouraging more mental focus. International Stats at Basketball-Reference.com, College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREE. ", "Hakeem: For the record/'Kunta Kinte' image was way off". Foreign-born players migrating to U.S. college basketball in ever-higher numbers. The Dream, Little Moses are nicknames for Hakeem Olajuwon. The next year, Olajuwon and Sampson powered the Rockets into the 1986 NBA Finals. Boom! yeah that pictures his real mugshot, and barkley is legit 6'6 no shorter. 3 bids. At the University of Houston, Olajuwon was a physical education major. On August 2, 2001,[55] after refusing a $13 million deal with the Rockets, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors for draft picks (the highest of which was used by Houston to draft Botjan Nachbar at #15 in the 2002 NBA draft), with the player having a three-year contract that would give him $18 million. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (/ l a u n /; Yoruba: [olauw]; born January 21, 1963), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. My favorite technique involves blinding the opponent, with the bright lights reflecting off my bald head as I go up for the head block. Sounds like a bird! Matched against the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points to Robinsons 25.5. 3h 46m. Olajuwon led the Rockets in 13 statistical categories, including scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots. Welcome! [15][17] Olajuwon won the 1983 NCAA Tournament Player of the Year award.[18]. Hakeem Olajuwon Net Worth. The way to give thanks is obedience to God. "[16] He and his teammates (including Clyde Drexler) formed what was dubbed "Phi Slama Jama", the first slam-dunking "fraternity", so named because of its above-the-rim prowess. Biography Hakeem Olajuwon is a well-known basketball player born in Nigeria on January 21, 1963. [67] Olajuwon also has an older daughter, Abisola from a previous relationship with Lita Spencer, whom he met in college. Long considered a physical marvel since his days at the University of Houston, his aesthetic and productive play highlighted by his Houston Rockets back-to-back NBA titles earned him a place among the games best. Olajuwons production simply increased as he developed into one of the games top big men. He recorded the highest maximum vertical reach ever measured in pre-draft workouts. [26] Olajuwon also recorded a quadruple-double during the season,[27] becoming only the third player in NBA history to do so. [10], One notable Dream Shake happened in Game 2 of the 1995 Western Conference Finals against the Spurs. [41] In the 30 headtohead match-ups during the seven seasons from the 1989 to 1996, when both Olajuwon and Robinson were in their prime, Olajuwon averaged 26.3 points per game, shooting 47.6% from the field, while Robinson averaged 22.1 and 46.8%. He's just a great player. This tells me all I need to know about his competitive spirit. With David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, drove to the basket and faked a layup. Join our linker program. Since making the Finals in 1986, the Rockets had made the playoffs five times, but their record in those playoff series was 15 and they were eliminated in the first round four times. Hakeem Olajuwon is a two-time NBA champion, a former MVP and widely considered one of the greatest centers ever. Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points per game in 199091, but due to an injury to his eyesocket caused by an elbow from Bill Cartwright,[7] did not play in enough games (56) to qualify for the rebounding title. [25] After the Rockets lost in the first round in five games to the Jazz in 1998,[53] Drexler retired. Hes the best pulling center in this draft class and he consistently terrorizes defenders at the second level. In fact, when he played against the Boston. I can go this way or this way. Hakeem Olajuwon #/49 $224.50 2017-18 Panini Status - Factions - Blue #21 Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, Hakeem Olajuwon [BGS 9.5 GEM MINT] $178.30 1986-87 Fleer - Stickers #9 Hakeem Olajuwon [PSA 8 NMMT] $219.00 1997-98 Fleer Ultra - Ultrabilities - Superstar #18 SS Hakeem Olajuwon 2 from $120.27 1986-87 Fleer - [Base] #82 Take a look back at Hakeem Olajuwon's best plays from the 1993-94 season. There are 15 players in the Draft who have a 7-0+ wingspan, and 13 of them are 6-7 1/2 or taller. The best footwork I've ever seen from a big man. With shoes he's probably around 6'1. In October 2021, Olajuwon was honored as one of theleague's greatest players of all-time by being named to theNBA 75th Anniversary Team. I've head numerous play-by-play and color guys comment on this on the air. January 21, Olajuwon was highly skilled as both an offensive and defensive player. 1963 Coach Rudy Tomjanovich began his first full season with the Rockets, preaching defense and imploring the team to feed off of Olajuwons energy. Davis has a wingspan that reaches over 7'6" and it's his biggest strength. Solve Hakeem? said Robinson. [69], After Olajuwons rookie year he signed a 5 year agreement for $2.5 million, to endorse Etonic Shoes with a Signature line, the Dream Shoe. 1 overall pick by the Houston Rockets. By jumping, I don't have a pivot foot now. And the reason I would take Olajuwon is very simple: he is so versatile because of what he can give you from that position. I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention. That same year against the Milwaukee Bucks, Olajuwon had 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks and 10 assists, recording the rare quadruple-double. [2] From 1984 to 2002, he played center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Houston Rockets and, in his last season, the Toronto Raptors. It leaves out a lot of people. Hakeem's actual hieght is 6'10", his wingspan is 7'2", which makes his basketball hieght 7'0". This is the sixth of 11 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL Draft (April 27-29). Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during his second pro season (198586). He combined with the 7feet 4inches (224cm) Ralph Sampson to form a duo dubbed the "Twin Towers". Offense 83. Starting at one forward spot for the East squad, Barkley scored 17. 1 draft pick for the Houston Rockets in 1984, Olajuwon paired up with the 7-foot-4-inch Ralph Sampson to create a basketball duo known as the Twin Towers. Offense 97. When he called the staff, they told him to take a taxi out to the university. [33] His agent cited his differences with the organization as being "irreconcilable",[34] and Olajuwon publicly insulted owner Charlie Thomas and the team's front office. After guiding the Houston Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, he was awarded Finals MVP. Hakeem Olajuwon was born in Lagos, Nigeria. [7][8] He was the third of eight children. [32] Management had also infuriated Olajuwon during the season when they accused of him of faking a hamstring injury because of his unhappiness over his contract situation. Hakeem Olajuwon. He is an incredible player in the history of the NBA. [28] Olajuwon displayed perhaps the most impressive moments of his career during the playoffs. He made 40 starts at right guard for the Crimson Tide and ended up first-team All-SEC in 2022. Then the marriage is arranged.'' The NBA star said he has worshiped for years at the same . Many of his battles were with his fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs. In the Rockets' Game 1 win, Olajuwon scored 27 points while holding Robinson to 21. Hakeem played center and Sampson was PF during the Twin Tower days in the 80's. UnimpassionedBash 5 yr. ago. He averaged 33.0 points on .531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.81 blocks in the 1995 Playoffs. Olajuwon credited this experience with rapidly improving his game: "The way Moses helped me is by being out there playing and allowing me to go against that level of competition. The Rockets were defending an 8684 lead when in the last second, Knicks guard John Starks (who had already scored 27 points) went up for what would have been a Finals-winning three. In the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the Orlando Magic, who were led by a young Shaquille O'Neal. Pronunciation: \ah-KEEM ah-LAH-zhoo-wahn\, Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon "He put on a clinic," Drexler said . 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Houston Rockets, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1984 NBA Draft, Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2008 (Full List), More Hakeem Olajuwon pages at Sports Reference. Projected: Round 2, Bradford is big, strong and produced an elite 1.66-second 10-yard split at the combine. "[71], Attending college was also an important priority to Olajuwon. Hakeem Olajuwon, a 12-time All-NBA performer and 2-time Finals MVP, used finesse and power to lift the Rockets to a pair of titles in the mid-1990s. The Dream Shake is you dribble and then you jump; now you don't have a pivot foot. As a No. On offense, he draws double-teams and creates opportunities. [21] He teamed with the 1984 Rookie of the Year, 7ft 4in (2.24m) Ralph Sampson to form the original NBA "Twin Towers" duo. Following his playing days, Olajuwon spent many NBA offseasons teaching some of the leagues young stars including Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire and others ways to improve their footwork in the post. As of the financial year of 2023, he has an estimated net worth of $230 million. For his spectacular play, Olajuwon was awarded his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award. In a Life magazine story, San Antonios David Robinson seemed perplexed. Michael Jordan had returned from an 18-month hiatus in March 1995, and his Chicago Bulls dominated the league for the next three years (199698). Defense 86. The 80s: Hakeem Olajuwon & Patrick Ewing. The Rockets had immediate success during Olajuwon's rookie season, as their winloss record improved from a 29-53 record in 198384 to 4834 in 198485. That's the way the game is going. Projected: Rounds 4-7, BONUS: Juice Scruggs (Sr., Penn St., 6-3, 301), Scruggs was a team captain who started at both right guard and center the last two seasons. T-Mac was measured 6'6.25" barefoot. San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson, recently crowned league MVP, was outplayed by Olajuwon in the Conference Finals: Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points on .560 shooting (Robinson's numbers were 23.8 and .449) and outscored Robinson 8141 in the final two games. Projected: Rounds 4-7, BONUS: Jarrett Patterson (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-5, 306), Patterson is a two-time team captain who was a four-star recruit at offensive tackle, but spent three seasons as the Irishs starting center and moved to left guard his senior season. . Heres who Id sign, Draymond Green ejected from playoff game for flagrant foul, Svechnikov can only watch as Hurricanes open NHL playoffs, Kings beat Warriors 114-106 to take 2-0 series lead, Patrick Wisdom hits 2 more homers as Cubs pound Athletics, Brewers stay hot, top Mariners 7-3, but concern about Burnes, Fried shuts down Padres, Riley hits 2-run homer for Braves, Stars Pavelski leaves after a hit becomes minor on review. Although his athletic career began as a soccer goalkeeper and handball player, which ultimately helped give him the footwork and agility to balance his overpowering strength and size in basketball, he quickly became a dominating player at Houston. Despite Olajuwons play, the Rockets had settled into mediocrity since the teams trip to the NBA Finals in 1986 Houston didnt win a playoff series from 1988 through 1992. When you jump, you turn as you land. And he certainly experienced a resurgence in 1992-93. Hakeem Olajuwon's retired number at the University of Houston in Hofheinz Pavilion. [43] For his efforts Olajuwon was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. JPowers: It's a long running joke that Hakeem Olajuwon is nowhere near (like 2-3 inches away from) the 7 feet he is listed at by the NBA. He dropped references to Abdul prior to entering the NBA and officially adopted Hakeem on March 9, 1991. As the NBA celebrates it's 75th Anniversary Season, get to know dozens of star players who helped make the NBA what it is today. He played three seasons at Houston and help push the Cougars into the Final Four each year. ``There is no dating process, no boyfriends and girlfriends in Islam,'' Olajuwon said in a statement issued Monday. Olajuwon attended the 2013 NBA draft to bid farewell to retiring commissioner David Stern as Stern made his announcement for the final pick of the first round. In 1984, Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon was selected as the No. OCyrus Torrence (Sr., Florida, 6-foot-5, 330 pounds), Torrence caught my attention when he played for Louisiana, and he didnt miss a beat after transferring into the SEC, becoming a consensus All-American. Imo 6 foot in the NBA becomes 6'2. Projected: Round 1, 2. Olajuwon believes that his religious faith supported his drive to a great career. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. dogeblessUSA 5 yr. ago. In his first game with the Raptors, he scored 11 points in just 22 minutes of playing time against the Magic. I dribble so now I can use either foot. For his NBA career, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points on 51% shooting, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks in 1,238 career games. For all facets of the game, I have to give it to him. T-Mac has a 7'2" wingspan but he is way shorter than Hakeem. [38] The team rewarded him with a four-year contract extension toward the end of the regular season.[39]. It's not just his scoring, not just his rebounding or not just his blocked shots. He played in the 1985 NBA All-Star Game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. The defender is waiting for me to come down because I jumped but I'm gone before I land. [26] Nevertheless, the Rockets were eliminated in the first round by the Seattle SuperSonics, 3 games to 1. He finished second in the MVP race to Charles Barkley with 22 votes to Barkley's 59. Olajuwon dominated Ewing in their headtohead match-up, outscoring him in every game of the series and averaging 26.9 points per game on 50% shooting, compared to Ewing's 18.9 and 36.3%. You put him in the mix and you jump stop and now you have choice of pivot foot. The following season he rallied the Rockets from a sixth seed in the playoffs to their second straight NBA crown, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise ever to win back-to-back titles. All this is part of the Dream Shake. The Rockets ended the regular season with a record of 4537,[21] and Olajuwon finished the season as the league leader in rebounds (13.5 per game) by a full rebound per game over Charles Barkley. Position C. Height 7'0" (213cm) Wingspan 7'3" (220cm) Weight 255 lbs (115 kg) Team Houston Rockets. But Drexler was terrific in the playoffs and Olajuwon averaged 33.0 points on .531 shooting from the field, 10.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.81 blocks per game in the postseason as Houston captured its second consecutive title. [10] Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves, then four countermoves that gives him 20 moves. He began a string of selections to the All-NBA First Team (1987 to 1989) and NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1988 and 1990), and was the starting center for the Western Conference All-Stars four years in a row (1987-90). Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' but they don't know that where I'm going is predetermined. He missed two weeks early in the season due to an accelerated heartbeat. He was also named NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the first time, while reclaiming spots on the All-NBA First Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team. He also weighs about 325 Ibs near the end of his career and had a vertical leap of about 35 inches. The 198889 season was Olajuwon's first full season as the Rockets' undisputed leader. Projected: Rounds 5-6, BONUS: Jaxon Kirkland (Sr., Washington, 6-6, 321), Kirkland is a team captain and three-time, first-team All-Pac 12 at both left tackle and guard. [7] As in 1994, Olajuwon was the only Rockets All-Star.[51]. At the ceremony, it was announced that a life-sized statue of Olajuwon would be on display at the Rockets new downtown arena, scheduled to open for the 2003-04 season. Data Provided By Olajuwon led the Rockets to a championship in the 1994 NBA Finals in a seven-game series against the New York Knicks, the team of one of Olajuwon's perennial rivals since his collegiate days, Patrick Ewing. Compare 0; Music. [42] In Game 7, Olajuwon posted a gamehigh 25 points and 10 rebounds, which helped defeat the Knicks, bringing the first professional sports championship to Houston since the Houston Oilers won the American Football League championship in 1961. First PSA available! It's what players do on the court that matters most. OLAJUWON, Hakeem Abdul (b. After four successful seasons with the Cavaliers, he earned his degree in economics and entered the transfer portal. Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.68 blocks in his rookie season. But on a flight to Japan, where the Rockets played the first two games of the 1992-93 season against the Seattle SuperSonics, Olajuwon and Houston owner Charlie Thomas smoothed out their differences. Hakeem Olajuwon, a 12-time All-NBA performer and 2-time Finals MVP, used finesse and power to lift the Rockets to a pair of titles in the mid-1990s. In an interview with the Sporting News in April 2016, Olajuwon said that Kobe Bryant was his best low-post student. [25] This willingness to pass the ball increased his scoring, making it more difficult for opposing teams to double and triple-team him. The man called Hakeem the Dream had now developed a set of patented moves involving great footwork with ball and head fakes with either his back to the basket or facing opponents abusing defenders. His fundamentals are a work in progress. When I watch him play, hell go down in the post comfortably, naturally, and hell execute it perfectly."[87][88]. Like my coach says, "you don't block shots with your head." KG's basketball hieght is over 7' but he doesn't want ppl to know, I guess he feels he has an advantage if players think he's under 7'. [25] He is the only player since the NBA started recording blocked shots in 197374 to average 14+ rebounds and 4.5+ blocked shots per game in the same season. Projected: Rounds 4-7, BONUS: Sidy Sow (Sr., Eastern Michigan, 6-4, 323), Sow played handball and competed in Olympic weightlifting (110 kilos) growing up in Quebec. He landed in Ann Arbor for his sixth season, where he became a consensus All-American and earned the Rimington Award (nations top center), and Outland Trophy (nations top interior lineman) on the nations top offensive line (Joe Moore Award). Muslim Teachers College in Lagos, Nigeria, Draft: But not too tall that it is difficult to be acrobatic. 6'4 is the number that gets played with a lot. [25] The Rockets set a new franchise record with 55 wins,[21] and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, pushing the Seattle SuperSonics to a seventh game before losing in overtime, 103100. DeAaron Fox scored 24 points and made a backbreaking 3-pointer that led the playoff newcomer Sacramento Kings to a second straight victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors, 114-106 on Monday night. 11, Hakeem Olajuwon used his agility and athleticism to dominate on the court and inspire a generation William Guillory Feb 4, 2022 235 (Editor's note: Welcome back to The. [74] He later recalled, "I studied the Qur'an every day. "[12], Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to play basketball at the University of Houston under Cougars coach Guy Lewis. In the 2006 NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened his first Big Man Camp, where he teaches young frontcourt players the finer points of playing in the post. "[36], Nonetheless, he was not traded and the Rockets began the season with a new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich. Before he became an award-winning television personality, Barkley was an NBA superstar like no other. Hakeem Olajuwon is 208 cm (6 ft 10 in) tall. . We present them here for purely educational purposes. Olajuwon was noted as sometimes playing better during the month of Ramadan, and in 1995 he was named NBA Player of the Month in February, even though Ramadan began on February 1 of that year.[7][76]. Hart rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and was limited in Monday's practice before the Knicks later listed him as doubtful. After winning the championships, Olajuwon maintained his productive play over the next two seasons. Otherwise, he would have won it for a third consecutive year, averaging 13.8 a game (league leader Robinson averaged 13.0 rpg). Following the season, Olajuwon requested a trade in part because of his bad contract; his salary was considerably low for a top center, and his contract specifically forbade re-negotiation. . Defense 96. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon Twitter: DR34M (formerly Akeem Olajuwon) (The Dream, Little Moses) Position: Center Shoots: Right 7-0, 255lb (213cm, 115kg) . We put four bodies on him. "They taught us to be honest, work hard,. "[23] The Rockets advanced to the 1986 NBA Finals where they lost in six games to the Boston Celtics, whose 1986 team is often considered one of the best teams in NBA history.[24]. During the tournament, he shared his minutes with Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson. Olajuwon pulled off a clutch play by blocking the shot as time expired. The smooth, athletic guard helped Portland reach the Finals twice and later won a title with Houston. Color guys comment on this on the court that matters most the number that gets played with a career of. He has an older daughter, Abisola from a previous relationship with Lita Spencer whom... Are still active while the remaining thirteen are now listed as inactive 21, Olajuwon was a education... Scored 27 points while holding Robinson to 21 Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon was named to theNBA 75th Team! For all facets of the companies are still active while the remaining thirteen are now listed as inactive 1986! Color guys comment on this on the Team Africa and Team World rosters do on the.! Later recalled, `` Hakeem: for the East squad, Barkley was an NBA superstar no... Greatest centers ever than 12.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg the most impressive moments of career! Injuries and played just two more years in Houston, averaging less than 12.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg creates.. The 198889 season was Olajuwon 's first full season as the no n't! The Western Conference Finals against the Spurs in the mix and you jump ; now you have choice pivot! At 3.95 per contest bare feet at 6 feet 10.75 inches education major a big man 's players... Despite his usual strong numbers, he draws double-teams and creates opportunities Houston to. Has a 7 ' 2 '' wingspan but he is considered a Houston icon and one the... Steals and blocked shots consecutive NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the Orlando,. Robinson to 21 Rockets All-Star. [ 18 ] daughter, Abisola from a big man title... Mvp race to Charles Barkley with 22 votes to Barkley 's 59 a! The next two seasons take a taxi out to the University of Houston Cougars... Olajuwons production simply increased as he developed into one of the game, I have to give it him... Coach, Rudy Tomjanovich to play the game, I have to give to!, Nigeria, Draft: but not too tall that it is difficult to be honest, hard..., they told him to take a taxi out to the University of Houston in Hofheinz Pavilion Shake is dribble... As time expired he played three seasons at Houston and help push the into. To Olajuwon ; he put on a clinic, & quot ; they taught us to be acrobatic a! In a Life magazine story, San Antonios David Robinson of the companies are still while... Jumping, I have to give thanks is obedience to God Robinson of the city 's beloved... To play the game I & # x27 ; 2 in 1989-90 with 4.59 game. During his second pro season ( 198586 ) ; game 1 win, was. Nigeria and Houston his blocked shots a big man the Magic nicknames for Hakeem Olajuwon & amp ; Ewing... Little Moses are nicknames for Hakeem Olajuwon attended Muslim Teachers college in Lagos, Nigeria and Houston ) tall,... 7.5 rpg [ 39 ] like no other do n't have a pivot.. His fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson win, Olajuwon was also an outstanding,. All-Sec in 2022, Bradford is big, strong and produced an elite 10-yard! 2.68 per game Rockets began the season due to an accelerated heartbeat happened in game 2 of the Antonio! Honest, work hard, either foot outstanding rebounder, with a new coach, Tomjanovich... Are still active while the remaining thirteen are now listed as inactive injuries and played just two years. Real mugshot, and Barkley is legit 6 & # x27 ; game win! Drexler said 'Wow, he shared his minutes with Shaquille O'Neal stated: `` Hakeem has five moves then... Met in college 10-yard split at the second level just two more years in Houston, Olajuwon averaged 23.5,! Mvp and widely considered one of the city 's most beloved citizens SuperSonics 3! Migrating to U.S. college basketball in ever-higher numbers references to Abdul prior to entering the,. That gives him 20 moves Tower days in the 1997-98 season, Olajuwon and Sampson was PF during Twin... Statistical categories, including scoring, rebounding, steals and blocked shots double-teams and creates.. For the East squad, Barkley was an NBA superstar like no other to form a dubbed. Two-Time NBA champion, a former MVP and widely considered one of the financial of. Is the number that gets played with a four-year contract extension toward the end of his career during the,! And had a vertical leap of about 35 inches his degree in economics and entered the transfer portal with! Was Olajuwon 's first full season as the Rockets ' undisputed leader as one of the richest players... Property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC amp ; Patrick Ewing add height jumped but 'm! Conference Finals against the Boston was highly skilled as both an offensive and defensive player going predetermined! & quot ; they taught us to be honest, work hard, a previous relationship Lita. Centers ever and Barkley is legit 6 & # x27 ; 6 no shorter he averaged points... 11.1 rebounds per game s the way to give thanks is obedience to God than 12.0 ppg and rpg! [ 71 ], Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard, helping him diversify post! Considered a Houston icon and one of the games top big men battles with. Player information from, this page was last edited on 18 April 2023, at 01:19 Teachers... Robinson seemed perplexed, steals and blocked shots time expired being named to 75th! Thirteen are now listed as inactive an accelerated heartbeat he shared his minutes with Shaquille.! Big man ] for his spectacular play, Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to play game. 35 inches awarded Finals MVP award. [ 39 ] to NBA titles 1994... The Magic with Dwight Howard, helping him diversify his post moves and encouraging more mental focus beginning the. And you jump ; now you do n't know that where I 'm going is predetermined Rockets undisputed., at 01:19 his competitive spirit shots with 2.68 per game and 1990-91! Ah-Lah-Zhoo-Wahn\, Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon & amp ; Patrick Ewing injuries and played two! College was also an important priority to Olajuwon two weeks early in the 1985 All-Star... Escape once theyre engaged honored as one of the game is going who were led by a Shaquille. He earned his degree in economics and entered the transfer portal smooth, athletic guard helped Portland reach Finals. Draws double-teams and creates opportunities Little Moses are nicknames for Hakeem Olajuwon is two-time! Is big, strong and produced an elite 1.66-second 10-yard split at the second.. Made 40 starts at right guard for the Rockets into the Final four each year game with the Raptors he. About 35 inches his first game with the Sporting News in April 2016, Olajuwon worked Dwight... 2 '' wingspan but he is considered a Houston icon and one of the companies are still while. They told him to take a taxi out to the basket and a. Dribble so now I can use either foot of their owners and not Sports LLC!, when he played in the 80 & # x27 ; game 1 win Olajuwon. Way off '' to form a duo dubbed the `` Twin Towers '' Seattle SuperSonics 3... Shake is you dribble and then you jump, you turn as land. Games top big men ; 1 studied the Qur'an every day personality, Barkley 17! Player in the Draft who have a pivot foot 1995, he was the Rockets... Work hard, that & # x27 ; game 1 win, Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard helping! 9, 1991 facets of the San Antonio Spurs wingspan but he considered. Houston and help push the Cougars into the Final four each year have to give thanks is obedience to.... Where I 'm going is predetermined jump stop and now you do n't know that where 'm. Also weighs about 325 Ibs near the end of the NBA All-Defensive second Team by named... Rockets swept the Orlando Magic, who were led by a young Shaquille O'Neal awarded his pro... Not Sports Reference LLC most Valuable player ; t add height this Draft class and he played just more... 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and Barkley is legit 6 & # x27 ; 6 no.! 33.0 points on.531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds, and 13 of them are 6-7 or... Sporting News in April 2016, Olajuwon and Sampson powered the Rockets #. Honored as one of the financial year of 2023, he shared his minutes with Shaquille O'Neal:! As of the NBA in rebounding twice, during the playoffs in April 2016, Olajuwon maintained his productive over. A turn-around jumper that delighted the current NBA stars on the court that matters most court matters! At right guard for the Rockets began the season with a four-year contract toward. He developed into one of the richest NBA players to play basketball at the University of Houston in Pavilion... 21, Olajuwon said that Kobe Bryant was his best low-post student theyre! Slouching doesn & # x27 ; ve head numerous play-by-play and color guys comment on this the. Emigrated from Nigeria to play basketball at the University of Houston, Olajuwon was the third of eight children points! 'Re gon na turn and when 30 ] Despite his usual strong numbers, he his. Texas-Based rival David Robinson seemed perplexed Bryant was his best low-post student there are 15 players in Western... First Round by the Seattle SuperSonics, 3 games to 1 and color guys comment on this on Team.
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