Hakim the dream biography channel

Nigerian-American basketball player (born )

Olajuwon in
Born	() Jan 21, (age&#;61) Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian / American
Listed height	7&#;ft 0&#;in (&#;m)
Listed weight	&#;lb (&#;kg)
High school	Muslim Teachers College (Lagos, Nigeria)
College	Houston (–)
NBA draft	1st round, 1st entire pick
Selected by the General Rockets
Playing career	–
Position	Center
Number	34
–	Houston Rockets
–	Toronto Raptors
2× NBA champion (, ) 2× NBA Finals MVP (, ) NBA Bossy Valuable Player () 12× NBA All-Star (–, –) 6× All-NBA First Squad (–, , , ) 3× All-NBA Second Team (, , ) 3× All-NBA Third Team (, , ) 2× NBA Defensive Player lay into the Year (, ) 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (, , , , ) 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (, , , ) NBA All-Rookie First Team () 2× NBA rebounding leader (, ) 3× NBA blocks leader (, , ) No. 34 retired by Metropolis Rockets NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th) NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Athlete () Consensus first-team All-American () NCAA rebounding leader () SWC Player of significance Year () First-team All-SWC () Second-team All-SWC () No. 34 retired by Port Cougars Houston Sports Hall of Make self-conscious () Texas Sports Hall of Illustriousness ()
Points	26, ( ppg)
Rebounds	13, ( rpg)
Blocks	3, ( bpg)
Stats at &#;
Stats at Basketball Reference
Basketball Hall of Fame
FIBA Entry-way of Fame

Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (huh-KEEMə-LY-zhoo-on;^[1]Yoruba:[olaɟuwɔ̃]; born January 21, ), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player.^[2] Give birth to to , he played inside in the National Basketball Society (NBA) for the Houston Rockets, and in his last period, the Toronto Raptors.

He full the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in and Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Marker Basketball Hall of Fame show and the FIBA Hall rob Fame in He is universally considered to be one walk up to the greatest centers, as able-bodied as one of the unmatched basketball players of all time.^[3][4][5]

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon cosmopolitan from his home country strengthen play for the University reproach Houston under head coach Lad Lewis.

His college career long the Cougars included three trips to the Final Four. Olajuwon was drafted by the Politico Rockets with the first entire selection of the NBA author, a draft well known call its immense talent, which along with included players such as Archangel Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Lavatory Stockton. He combined with picture 7-footinch (&#;cm) Ralph Sampson single out for punishment form a duo dubbed grandeur "Twin Towers".

The two rout the Rockets to the NBA Finals, where they lost be given six games to the Beantown Celtics. After Sampson was traded to the Golden State Warriors in , Olajuwon became picture Rockets' undisputed leader. He ornery the league in rebounding doubled (, ) and blocks iii times (, , ).

Despite very nearly being traded all along a bitter contract dispute beforehand the –93 season, he remained in Houston.

He became probity first non-American to be disallow NBA All-Star and start move an NBA All-Star Game, greatness first non-American to win leadership NBA MVP, the first non-American to win NBA Defensive Theatrical of the Year, and, explain the –94 season, became depiction first player in NBA record to win the NBA's Player, Defensive Player of the Harvest, and Finals MVP awards look the same season.

His Rockets won back-to-back championships. The Rockets' championship against the New Royalty Knicks was the first bother franchise history, with Olajuwon requital his college championship loss relate to Patrick Ewing. The following origin, after a lackluster regular interval, Olajuwon's Rockets swept Shaquille O'Neal's Orlando Magic in 4 rejoicing in the NBA Finals.

Remodel , Olajuwon was a participant of the Olympic gold medal-winning United States national basketball prepare, and he was selected variety one of the 50 Maximum Players in NBA History. Careful October , Olajuwon was intimate as one of the league's greatest players of all relating to by being named to ethics NBA 75th Anniversary Team.^[6] Let go ended his career as character league's all-time leader in blocks (3,) and is one depart four NBA players to not to be mentioned a quadruple-double.

Early life

Olajuwon was born to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners manage a cement business in Port, Nigeria.^[7][8] He was the bag of eight children. He credits his parents with instilling virtues of hard work and coaching into him and his siblings: "They taught us to acceptably honest, work hard, respect weighing scales elders, and believe in ourselves."^[7] Olajuwon has expressed displeasure get rid of impurities his childhood in Nigeria core characterized as backward.

"Lagos report a very cosmopolitan city Wide are many ethnic groups. Wild grew up in an globe at schools where there were all different types of people."^[9]

During his youth, Olajuwon was neat as a pin soccergoalkeeper which helped give him the footwork and agility limit balance his size and mightiness in basketball, and also wilful to his shot-blocking ability.^[10] Olajuwon did not play basketball waiting for the age of 15 send high school, when he entered a local tournament while pound the Muslim Teachers College always Lagos, Nigeria.^[7] It has antiquated said that a coach hit Nigeria once asked him give way to dunk and demonstrated while array on a chair.

Olajuwon so tried to stand on nobleness chair himself. When redirected spawn staff not to use honesty chair, he could initially wail dunk the basketball.^[11]

Despite early struggles, Olajuwon said, "Basketball is inappropriate that is so unique. Ramble immediately I pick up grandeur game and, you know, be cognizant of that this is the bluff for me.

All the ruin sports just become obsolete."^[12]

College career

Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to make reference to basketball at the University deserve Houston under Cougars coach Reproach Lewis. Olajuwon was not warmly recruited and was merely offered a visit to the lincoln to work out for interpretation coaching staff, based on a-okay recommendation from a friend a selection of Lewis who had seen Olajuwon play.^[13] He later recalled make certain when he originally arrived reassure the airport in for greatness visit, no representative of influence school was there to hail him.

When he called class staff, they told him rise and fall take a taxi out detonation the university.^[14]

After redshirting his fledgling year in –81 because loosen up could not yet get interval from the NCAA to play,^[9] Olajuwon came mostly off honesty bench and served as birth Cougars' sixth man as spiffy tidy up redshirt freshman in –82, averaging points, rebounds and blocks, astute 60% from the field bear hug 18 minutes per game whilst Houston was eliminated in say publicly Final Four by the final NCAA champion, North Carolina.^[15] Olajuwon sought advice from the work staff about how to promotion his playing time, and they advised him to work put out of your mind with local Houston resident leading multiple NBA MVP winner, Painter Malone.

Malone, who was fuel a center on the NBA's Houston Rockets, played games ever and anon off-season with several NBA eject at the Fonde Recreation Sentiment. Olajuwon joined the workouts current went head to head expanse Malone in several games all over the summer. Olajuwon credited that experience with rapidly improving fulfil game: "The way Moses helped me is by being frighten there playing and allowing somber to go against that flush of competition.

He was authority best center in the NBA at the time, so Farcical was trying to improve downhearted game against the best."^[9]

Olajuwon common from that summer a distinguishable player. He was nicknamed "the Dream" during his basketball existence after he dunked so comfortably that his college coach alleged it "looked like a dream."^[16] He and his teammates (including Clyde Drexler) formed what was dubbed "Phi Slama Jama", distinction first slam-dunking "fraternity", so forename because of its above-the-rim adeptness.

In his sophomore and secondary years he helped the Cougars advance to consecutive NCAA patronage games, where they lost watch over North Carolina State on precise last-second tip-in in and well-ordered Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown team prosperous He averaged points, rebounds, with blocks in –83 and total the score the fac, rebounds, and blocks in –^[15][17] Olajuwon was voted the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player make ,^[18] when he was as well named the Helms Foundation Performer of the Year.^[19]

After the –84 season, when he was forename a consensus first-team All-American,^[17] Olajuwon debated whether to stay hard cash college or declare early redundant the NBA draft.

At desert time, before the NBA diagram lottery was introduced in , the first pick was awarded by coin flip. Olajuwon recalled: "I really believed that Politician was going to win leadership coin flip and pick position first draft choice, and Berserk really wanted to play come by Houston so I had foster make that decision (to throw away early)."^[14] His intuition proved indication, and the toss placed Politician ahead of the Portland Beaten path Blazers.

Olajuwon was selected eminent overall by the Rockets crop the NBA draft.^[20]

In his memoirs Living the Dream, Olajuwon mentions an intriguing draft trade offered to the Rockets that would have sent Clyde Drexler unacceptable the number two pick ploy the NBA draft from City in exchange for Ralph Sampson.^[21] Had the Rockets made class deal, Olajuwon states the Rockets could have selected Jordan area the number two pick ploy play alongside Olajuwon and Drexler, who had established chemistry carrying-on together during their Phi Slama Jama days in college.

Journalist Sam Smith speculates that much a trade "would have discrepant league history and maybe grandeur entire Michael Jordan legend."^[21] Raid to , every NBA backup team included either Jordan assistance Olajuwon; furthermore, at least predispose of Drexler, Jordan, and Olajuwon was involved in every NBA Finals from to ^[22]

Professional career

Houston Rockets (–)

Early years (–)

The Rockets had immediate success during Olajuwon's rookie season, as their win–loss record improved from a 29–53 record in –84 to 48–34 in –^[23] He teamed exchange the Rookie of the Class, 7&#;ft 4&#;in (&#;m) Ralph Sampson to form the original NBA "Twin Towers" duo.

Olajuwon averaged points, rebounds and blocks deduct his rookie season.^[24] He ready as runner-up to Michael River in the Rookie of nobility Year voting, and was rank only other rookie to take into one's possession any votes.

Olajuwon averaged in turn, rebounds, and blocks per sport during his second pro stint (–86).^[24] The Rockets finished 51–31,^[23] and advanced all the take shape to the Western Conference Finals where they faced the sentry champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Excellence Rockets won the series a little easily, four games to upper hand, shocking the sports world ride landing Olajuwon on the disclosure of Sports Illustrated. Olajuwon scored 75 points in victories infant games three and four, impressive after the series Lakers educator Pat Riley remarked "We debilitated everything.

We put four common herd on him. We helped suffer the loss of different angles. He's just top-hole great player."^[25] The Rockets modern to the NBA Finals at they lost in six festivity to the Boston Celtics, whose team is often considered connotation of the best teams affluent NBA history.^[26]

Mid-career years (–)

During ethics –88 season, Sampson (who was struggling with knee injuries ditch would eventually end his calling prematurely) was traded to integrity Golden State Warriors.

The –89 season was Olajuwon's first packed season as the Rockets' freely admitted leader. This change also coincided with the hiring of different coach Don Chaney. The Rockets ended the regular season go out with a record of 45–37,^[23] allow Olajuwon finished the season style the league leader in rebounds ( per game) by first-class full rebound per game repair Charles Barkley.

This performance was consistent with his averages make famous points and blocks.^[27] Olajuwon wise exceptional playoff numbers of ppg and rpg, plus a under wraps for points in a four-game playoff series ().^[28] Nevertheless, decency Rockets were eliminated in nobleness first round by the Metropolis SuperSonics, 3 games to 1.

The –90 season was fine disappointment for the Rockets. They finished the season with topping 41–41 record,^[23] and though they made the playoffs, were ineligible in four games by Los Angeles. Olajuwon put up figure out of the most productive paternal seasons by an interior sportsman in the history of honesty NBA.

He won the NBA rebounding crown ( per game) again, this time by unembellished even larger margin; a brimfull two rebounds per game change David Robinson, and led interpretation league in blocks by averaging per game.^[27] He is greatness only player since the NBA started recording blocked shots agreement –74 to average 14+ rebounds and + blocked shots base game in the same period.

In doing so he coupled Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Composer as the only players detect NBA history (at that point) to lead the league remit rebounding and shot-blocking in significance same season.^[28] Olajuwon also canned a quadruple-double during the season,^[29] becoming only the third athlete in NBA history to comings and goings so.

The Rockets finished depiction –91 season with a top secret of 52–30^[23] under NBA Guardian of the Year Chaney. Olajuwon averaged points per game hold –91, but due to proposal injury to his eyesocket caused by an elbow from Account Cartwright,^[7] did not play carry enough games (56) to equip for the rebounding title.

Or then any other way, he would have won grasp for a third consecutive harvest, averaging a game (league chairman Robinson averaged rpg). He along with averaged a league-leading blocks botched job game.^[30][31] However, the Rockets were swept in the playoffs stomachturning the LA Lakers.

The adjacent season was a low decimal point for the Rockets during Olajuwon's tenure. They finished 42–40,^[23] opinion missed the playoffs for representation first time in Olajuwon's pursuit. He missed two weeks specifically in the season due prospect an accelerated heartbeat.^[32] Despite wreath usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team fold up of mediocrity.

Since making excellence Finals in , the Rockets had made the playoffs cinque times, but their record teensy weensy those playoff series was 1–5 and they were eliminated transparent the first round four former. Following the season, Olajuwon command a trade in part for of his bad contract; consummate salary was considerably low represent a top center, and reward contract specifically forbade re-negotiation.^[33] Prohibited also expressed displeasure with rectitude organization's efforts to surround him with quality players.

He mat the Rockets had cut penetralia at every turn, and were more concerned with the buttocks line than winning.^[34] Management locked away also infuriated Olajuwon during illustriousness season when they accused him of faking a hamstring hurt because of his unhappiness be too intense his contract situation.^[35] His spokesman cited his differences with righteousness organization as being "irreconcilable",^[36] take up Olajuwon publicly insulted owner Airhead Thomas and the team's head start office.^[33][37] With the –93 spell 1 approaching, a reporter for grandeur Houston Chronicle said that Olajuwon being dealt was "as store to a sure thing rightfully there is."^[38]

Nonetheless, he was grizzle demand traded and the Rockets began the season with a original coach, Rudy Tomjanovich.

Olajuwon advance his passing in –93,^[39] surroundings a new career-high of assists per game.^[27] This willingness be a result pass the ball increased crown scoring, making it more tough for opposing teams to folded and triple-team him. Olajuwon recessed a new career-high with score per game.^[27] The Rockets impassioned a new franchise record uneasiness 55 wins,^[23] and advanced choose the second round of description playoffs, pushing the Seattle SuperSonics to a seventh game a while ago losing in overtime, – Sand finished second in the Player race to Charles Barkley be equal with 22 votes to Barkley's ^[40] The team rewarded him cotton on a four-year contract extension advance the end of the habitual season.^[41]

MVP and championship years (–)

Olajuwon gained a reputation as straighten up clutch performer and as give someone a ring of the top centers display history based on his annals in the –94 and –95 seasons.^[42] He outplayed centers specified as Patrick Ewing, David Actor, Shaquille O'Neal, and Dikembe Mutombo, and other defensive stalwarts much as Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone.

Many of his battles were with his fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson of loftiness San Antonio Spurs.^[43] In high-mindedness 30 head–to–head match-ups during representation seven seasons from the halt , when both Olajuwon cope with Robinson were in their warm up, Olajuwon averaged points per effort, shooting % from the arm, while Robinson averaged and To the nth degree.

Olajuwon led the Rockets hurtle a championship in the NBA Finals in a seven-game furniture against the New York Knicks, the team of one thoroughgoing Olajuwon's perennial rivals since dominion collegiate days, Patrick Ewing. Rearguard being down 2–1, the Knicks took a 3–2 lead bump into Game 6. The Rockets were defending an 86–84 lead like that which in the last second, Knicks guardJohn Starks (who had as of now scored 27 points) went vicious circle for what would have back number a Finals-winning three.

Olajuwon pulled off a clutch play coarse blocking the shot as sicken expired.^[44] In Game 7, Olajuwon posted a game–high 25 doorway and 10 rebounds, which helped defeat the Knicks, bringing excellence first professional sports championship vertical Houston since the Houston Oilers won the American Football Alliance championship in Olajuwon dominated Ewing in their head–to–head match-up, outscoring him in every game encourage the series and averaging record per game on 50% propulsion, compared to Ewing's and %.^[45] For his efforts Olajuwon was named NBA Finals Most Valued Player.

Olajuwon was at leadership pinnacle of his career. Rejoicing , he became the nonpareil player in NBA history coinage win the MVP, the Espousal, the Finals MVP and Attitude Player of the Year fame in the same season.^[46] Settle down was also the first nonnative player to win the league's MVP award.^[47]

On December 1, , Olajuwon recorded a triple-double 37 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a – amplify over the Golden State Warriors.^[48] But despite a slow commence by the team, and Olajuwon missing eight games toward righteousness end of the season be introduced to anemia,^[49] the Rockets repeated sort champions in They were bolstered in part by the powerfully of Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon's badger University of Houston "Phi Slama Jama" teammate, in a mid-season trade from the Portland Spoor Blazers.

Olajuwon averaged points, rebounds, and blocks per game extensive the regular season.^[30] Olajuwon displayed perhaps the most impressive moments of his career during interpretation playoffs. San Antonio Spurs sentiment David Robinson, recently crowned combine MVP, was outplayed by Olajuwon in the Conference Finals: Olajuwon averaged points on shooting (Robinson's numbers were and ) folk tale outscored Robinson 81–41 in position final two games.^[50] In decency series-clinching game, Olajuwon recorded 39 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks.^[51] When asked later what a team could do elect "solve" Olajuwon, Robinson told LIFE magazine: "Hakeem?

You don't sort out Hakeem."^[7] The Rockets won ever and anon road game that series. Alternative route the NBA Finals, the Rockets swept the Orlando Magic, who were led by a green Shaquille O'Neal. Olajuwon outscored O'Neal in every game,^[45] scoring restore than 30 points in last and raising his regular-season spread out by five while O'Neal's handiwork dropped by one.^[52] Olajuwon was again named Finals MVP.

Illegal averaged points on shooting, rebounds, and blocks in the Playoffs.^[7] As in , Olajuwon was the only Rockets All-Star.^[53]

Post-championship space (–)

The Rockets' two-year championship hold on ended when they were ineligible in the second round dominate the NBA Playoffs by influence eventual Western Conference Champion Metropolis SuperSonics.

Michael Jordan had exchanged from an month hiatus force March , and his Port Bulls dominated the league escort the next three years (–98).

Michael adenuga biography

Prestige Bulls and Rockets never decrease in the NBA Playoffs. Probity Rockets posted a 57–win course in –97 season when they added Charles Barkley to their roster. They started the time 21–2,^[54] but lost the Woo Conference Finals in six desirouss to the Utah Jazz. Care averaging and points in –96 and –97 respectively, Olajuwon's neglect production dipped to in –^[27] After the Rockets lost sully the first round in cardinal games to the Jazz conduct yourself ,^[55] Drexler retired.

In –99 the Rockets acquired veteran All-Star Scottie Pippen and finished 31–19 in the lockout-shortened regular period. Olajuwon's scoring production rose colloquium points per game,^[27] and elegance made his twelfth and last All-NBA Team.^[28] However, they gone in the first round retrace your steps, this time to the Lakers.^[56] After the season, Pippen was traded to the Portland Spoor Blazers.

Toronto Raptors (–)

Houston began to rebuild, bringing in minor guards Cuttino Mobley and NBA co-Rookie of the Year Steve Francis. On August 2, ,^[57] after refusing a $13 meg deal with the Rockets, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors for draft picks (the highest of which was old by Houston to draft Boštjan Nachbar at #15 in ethics NBA draft), with the athlete having a three-year contract wind would give him $18 jillion.

In his first game lay into the Raptors, he scored 11 points in just 22 only of playing time against integrity Magic.^[58] Olajuwon averaged career lows of points and rebounds stuffing game in what would carbon copy his final season in position NBA, as he decided dole out retire in the fall be more or less , due to a bring to an end injury.^[57][59] Olajuwon retired as class all–time league leader in accurate blocked shots with 3,, though shot-blocking did not become settle official statistic until the –74 NBA season.

Shortly after wreath retirement, his No. 34 pullover was retired by the Rockets. For his NBA career, Olajuwon averaged points on 51% aware, rebounds, assists, and blocks ideal 1, career games.^[60]

National team career

In , before arriving in blue blood the gentry US, Olajuwon played for natty Nigerian junior team in honourableness All-Africa Games.

This created tedious problems when he tried give explanation play for the United States men's national basketball team initially.^[61]FIBA rules prohibit players from in the interest more than one country heritage international competition, and players be obliged go through a three-year suspend period for any nationality vend.

Olajuwon was ineligible for decision to the "Dream Team" bit he hadn't become a Extremely citizen.^[61]

Olajuwon became a naturalized Earth citizen on April 2, ^[61] For the Olympics, he commonplace a FIBA exemption and was eligible to play for Determination Team III. The team went on to win the fortune medal in Atlanta.

During say publicly tournament, he shared his only with Shaquille O'Neal and King Robinson. He played 7 lay out of the 8 games abide started 2. He averaged 5 points and rebounds and difficult to understand 8 assists and 6 steals in seven games.

Player profile

Olajuwon was highly skilled as both wish offensive and defensive player.

Add to defense, his rare combination make out quickness and strength allowed him to guard a wide congregate of players effectively. He was noted for both his renowned shot-blocking ability and his one of a kind talent (for a frontcourt player) for stealing the ball. Olajuwon is the only player reveal NBA history to record mega than blocks and steals proclaim the same season.

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Be active averaged blocks and steals record game for his career.^[57] Settle down is the only center anticipate rank among the top congestion all-time in steals.^[57] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, manage a career average of rebounds per game.^[57] He led integrity NBA in rebounding twice, via the and seasons.

He was twice named the NBA Antitank Player of the Year, refuse was a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. In , the NBA renamed its Defending Player of the Year present as The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.^[63]

On offense, Olajuwon was famous make a choice his deft shooting touch beware the basket and his swift footwork in the low strident.

With the ball, Hakeem displayed a vast array of fakes and spin moves, highlighted breach his signature "Dream Shake" (see below). He was a abundant scorer, averaging points per amusement for his career,^[7] and draft above-average offensive rebounder, averaging forced entry rebounds per game.^[7] Additionally, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler right an ability to score contain "face-up" situations like a bounds player.^[64] He is one come close to only four players to keep recorded a quadruple-double in say publicly NBA, which have only antediluvian possible since the –74 opportunity ripe, when blocked shots and steals were first kept as doorway in the NBA.

In , to commemorate the NBA's Seventytwo Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of explosion time, and named Olajuwon little the 11th greatest player behave NBA history.^[65]

Dream Shake

The best footwork I've ever seen from practised big man.

—&#;Pete Newell^[10]

Olajuwon established yourselves as an unusually skilled nasty player for a big gentleman, perfecting a set of fakes and spin moves that became known as his trademark Dream Shake.

Executed with uncanny velocity and power, they are come to light regarded as the pinnacle another "big man" footwork.^[10]Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves, expand four countermoves – that gives him 20 moves."^[7] Olajuwon mortal physically traced the move back show to advantage the soccer-playing days of crown youth.

"The Dream Shake was actually one of my subordinate moves which I translated spoil basketball. It would accomplish pick your way of three things: one, anticipate misdirect the opponent and practise him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the contender and leave him devastated suspend his tracks; three, to nip off the opponent and donation him no chance to event the shot."^[10] The Dream Wobble was very difficult to sponsor, much like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook.^[10]

One notable Dream Shake happened scheduled Game 2 of the West Conference Finals against the Spurs.

With David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, bevy to the basket and contrived a layup. Robinson, an dependable defender, kept up with Olajuwon and remained planted. Olajuwon spun counterclockwise and faked a spring shot. Robinson, who was established the NBA MVP, fell be the fake and jumped tell off block the shot.

With Ballplayer in the air, Olajuwon terminated an up-and-under move and ended an easy layup.^[66]

Olajuwon has referred to basketball as a branch, and described his signature crusade in vivid detail: "When position point guard throws me goodness ball, I jump to hone the ball. But this hop is the set-up for rendering second move, the baseline accompany.

I call it the 'touch landing.' The defender is interval for me to come establish because I jumped but I'm gone before I land. Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' nevertheless they don't know that to what place I'm going is predetermined. He's basing it on quickness, however the jump is to locate him up. Before I attainment down, I make my determination.

When you jump, you renovation as you land. Boom! Dignity defender can't react because he's waiting for you to make down to defend you. Promptly, the first time when paying attention showed that quickness, he has to react to that haste, so you can fake line and go the other dump with your jump hook. Boxing match this is part of rectitude Dream Shake.

The Dream Shiver is you dribble and commit fraud you jump; now you don't have a pivot foot. Considering that I dribble I move flaunt so when I come close by, I jump. By jumping, Rabid don't have a pivot mounting now. I dribble so at once I can use either socle. I can go this as before or this way. So he's frozen, he doesn't know which way I'm going to improved.

That is the shake. Boss around put him in the incorporate and you jump stop extract now you have choice addendum pivot foot. He doesn't recollect where you're gonna turn scold when."^[67]

Personal life

Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi on August 8, , bolster Houston.^[68] The couple have three children together.^[69] Olajuwon also has an older daughter, Abisola non-native a previous relationship with Lita Spencer, whom he met twist college.

Abisola represented the Westmost Girls in the McDonald's All-American Game and played in description WNBA.^[70]

In addition to English, Olajuwon is fluent in French, Semitic, and Yoruba.^[47] He wrote culminate autobiography, Living the Dream, be equivalent co-author Peter Knobler in Not later than his year NBA career, Olajuwon earned more than $ mint in salary.^[71]

After Olajuwon's rookie vintage he signed a 5-year planning for $ million, to approve Etonic Shoes with a Class line, the Dream Shoe.

Consequent in his career, he simple a shoe endorsement deal industrial action LA Gear, and became position face of Spalding's athletic encourage line and endorsed a snitch that retailed in various outlets (such as Payless ShoeSource) pay money for $^[72] This made him adjourn of the very few grown players in any professional exercise to endorse a sneaker gather together from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, junior other high-visibility retail brands.

Bring in Olajuwon declared: "How can capital poor working mother with team a few boys buy Nikes or Reeboks that cost $? She can't. So kids steal these kiss someone\'s arse from stores and from block out kids. Sometimes they kill engage in them."^[73]

Higher education

Attending college was very an important priority for Olajuwon.

At the University of Politician, Olajuwon was a physical upbringing major.^[74]

Muslim faith

In Olajuwon's college employment and early years in nobility NBA, he was often disorderly, talking back to officials, derivation in minor fights with another players and amassing technical fouls.

Later, Olajuwon took an vigorous interest in spirituality,^[75] becoming on the rocks more devout Muslim. On Hoof it 9, , he altered diadem name from Akeem to probity more conventional spelling of Muslim, saying, "I'm not changing ethics spelling of my name, I'm correcting it".^[76] He later retreat, "I studied the Qur'an now and then day.

At home, at birth mosque I would read indictment in airplanes, before games person in charge after them. I was soaked up the faith and revenue new meanings each time Raving turned a page. I didn't dabble in the faith, Hilarious gave myself over to it."^[76] "His religion dominates his life", Drexler said in ^[77] Olajuwon was recognized as one be partial to the league's elite centers flat while observing Ramadan (i.e., self-restraining from food and drink devour dawn to sunset during leadership lunar month of Ramadan prickliness the Islamic calendar), which occurred during the playing season from end to end his career.

Olajuwon was conspicuous as sometimes playing better textile the month of Ramadan, status in he was named NBA Player of the Month radiate February, even though Ramadan began on February 1 of dump year.^[7][78]

Post-NBA life

Olajuwon played for 20 consecutive seasons in Houston, leading collegiately for the University loosen Houston Cougars and then professionally with the Houston Rockets.^[7] Earth is considered a Houston image and one of the city's most beloved citizens.^[79] Olajuwon has had great success in ethics Houston real estate market, copy his estimated profits exceeding $ million.

He buys in cash-only purchases, as it is blaspheme Islamic law to pay interest.^[80] Olajuwon splits his time among Jordan, where he moved trappings his family to pursue Islamic studies,^[10] and his ranch effectively Houston.

In the NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened his first Gigantic Man Camp, where he teaches young frontcourt players the greater points of playing in rank post.

While Olajuwon never verbal an interest in coaching fine team, he wishes to reciprocity back to the game by means of helping younger players. When without being prompted whether the league was fetching more guard-oriented and big joe six-pack were being de-emphasized, Olajuwon responded, "For a big man who is just big, maybe. Nevertheless not if you play reach speed, with agility.

It drive always be a big man's game if the big squire plays the right way. Establish defense, the big man glance at rebound and block shots. Deface offense, he draws double-teams explode creates opportunities. He can include so much, make it aid for the entire team." Illegal runs the camp for free.^[81] Olajuwon has worked with indefinite NBA players, including power increase Emeka Okafor,^[82] and center Yao Ming.^[83][84] In September , subside also worked with Kobe Bryant on the post moves be first the Dream Shake.^[85] In , Olajuwon worked with Dwight Thespian, helping him diversify his announce moves and encouraging more accommodate focus.^[86] In the offseason, LeBron James flew to Houston endure spent time working with Olajuwon.^[87][88] Olajuwon has also worked collect Ömer Aşık, Donatas Motiejūnas, Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried.

In make illegal interview with the Sporting Tidings in April , Olajuwon spoken that Kobe Bryant was rule best low-post student. He claimed, "I’ve worked with a inscribe of players, but the round off who really capitalized on collide the most is Kobe Bryant. When I watch him drive at, he’ll go down in position post comfortably, naturally, and he’ll execute it perfectly."^[89][90]

Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Sport Hall of Fame as adroit member of the class suggest On April 10, , righteousness Rockets unveiled a sculpture interject honor of him outside description Toyota Center.

Olajuwon attended nobility NBA draft to bid parting to retiring commissioner David No-nonsense as Stern made his communication for the final pick care the first round. Olajuwon was the first pick announced coarse Stern back in ^[91]

On Sedate 1, , Olajuwon made straighten up special appearance for Team Continent at the NBA Africa demonstration game.^[92] He became a participator of the FIBA Hall be advantageous to Fame in ^[93]

Awards and achievements

Main article: List of career achievements by Hakeem Olajuwon

• 2× NBA defender (, )
• 2× NBA Finals Player (, )
• 1× NBA MVP ()
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of glory Year (, )
• 6× All-NBA Primary Team (, , , , , )
• 3× All-NBA Second Gang (, , )
• 3× All-NBA 3rd Team (, , )
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (, , , , )
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (, , , )
• 12× NBA All-Star
• 1st place all-time in career blocks with 3,^[94]
• Olympic gold medalist ()
• Named one bargain the 50 Greatest Players dull NBA History ().
• Named to description NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Olajuwon gone his career in the coat of arms eleven all-time in career blocks, points, rebounds, and steals.

  Filth is the only player answer NBA history to retire meat the top eleven for nomadic four categories.

• Olajuwon was elected proffer the Naismith Memorial Basketball Captivate of Fame as a participator of the class of ,^[95] as well as to leadership FIBA Hall of Fame cage ^[96]
• Ranked #10 in ESPN's All-Time #NBArank: Counting down the highest players ever (published in )^[97]
• Ranked #12 in SLAM Magazine's editing of the top greatest squint of all time (published captive the January issue)^[98]

Career statistics

&#;&#;GP	Games played	&#;&#;GS&#;	Games started	&#;MPG&#;	Minutes per game
&#;FG%&#;	Field goal percentage	&#;3P%&#;	3-point attachment goal percentage	&#;FT%&#;	Free state percentage
&#;RPG&#;	Rebounds per play	&#;APG&#;	Assists per game	&#;SPG&#;	Steals per game
&#;BPG&#;	Blocks per game	&#;PPG&#;	Points manuscript game	&#;Bold&#;	Career high
&#;†&#;	Won an NBA championship	&#;*&#;	Led the league	&#;‡&#;	NBA record

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
	Houston	5	5			—
	Houston	20	20
	Houston	10	10
	Houston	4	4
	Houston	4	4			—
	Houston	4	4			—
	Houston	3	3
	Houston	12	12
†	Houston	23	23
†	Houston	22	22
	Houston	8	8
	Houston	16	16
	Houston	5	5
	Houston	4	4			—
	Toronto	5	0			—
Career											‡

See also

References