By jumping, I don't have a pivot foot now. Hed be an asset at guard in the NFL as well. $66.00. Following a brilliant regular season, the Houston center also earned his second straight NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. During his 18-year career, Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon staked his claim as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Their first against the New York Knicks, avenging his college championship loss to Patrick Ewing. [59] FIBA rules prohibit players from representing more than one country in international competition, and players must go through a three-year waiting period for any nationality change. 6'4 is the number that gets played with a lot. 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. His massive hands (11 1/4 inches) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged. Many of his battles were with his fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs. 28 interesting facts calculated from Hakeem Olajuwon date of birth, date of death, age lived in months, weeks, days, hours and seconds. In the series final three games, Olajuwon scored 40, 35 and 30 points to lead the Rockets. Thirty years ago today Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon became only the third play in NBA history to record a quadruple-double with 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 10 assists. Executed with uncanny speed and power, they are still regarded as the pinnacle of "big man" footwork. Hakeem Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. In February, Olajuwon was reunited with college teammate Drexler, who came over from the Portland Trail Blazers in a trade for forward Otis Thorpe. The Dream was recorded in bare feet at 6 feet 10.75 inches. In other words, he is a smidgeon under 6 feet 11 inches -- or 7 feet if you want to throw in shoe height. . The Dream Shake is you dribble and then you jump; now you don't have a pivot foot. Defense 96. He can add so much, make it easier for the entire team." He is widely considered to be one of the greatest centers, as well as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.[3][4][5]. The Rockets went from a 29-53 record before Olajuwons arrival to a 48-34 mark, but they were eliminated in five games by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 1985 NBA Playoffs. [58], In 1980, before arriving in the US, Olajuwon played for a Nigerian junior team in the All-Africa Games. He was noted for both his outstanding shot-blocking ability and his unique talent (for a frontcourt player) for stealing the ball. In 1983-84, Olajuwon averaged 16.8 points and led the NCAA in rebounding (13.5 rpg), blocked shots (5.6 per game) and field-goal percentage (.675). He's a small forward playing center." Highlights of Hakeem Olajuwon taking the defenders off the dribble from the perimeter are truly a sight to see. During an NBA season he observes Islams Ramadan, which includes periods of fasting. The 198990 season was a disappointment for the Rockets. On April 10, 2008, the Rockets unveiled a sculpture in honor of him outside the Toyota Center. Hakeem Olajuwon is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player who played in the 'National Basketball Association' (NBA). 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.He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and . Sometimes they kill for them. Hakeem Olajuwon puts a dazzling low-post move on David Robinson in the 1995 playoffs. When I watch him play, hell go down in the post comfortably, naturally, and hell execute it perfectly."[87][88]. In 199899 the Rockets acquired veteran All-Star Scottie Pippen and finished 3119 in the lockout-shortened regular season. NBA 75: At No. [55] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, with a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game. He also averaged a league-leading 3.95 blocks per game. "[65], Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi on August 8, 1996, in Houston. 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. 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. Legacy. Two years later he enrolled at the University of Houston under the name of Akeem Abdul Olajuwon. 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 would read it in airplanes, before games and after them. He's more than three inches closer. $3,999.99. [90] He became a member of the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.[91]. 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. [31] He also expressed displeasure with the organization's efforts to surround him with quality players. [25] After the Rockets lost in the first round in five games to the Jazz in 1998,[53] Drexler retired. [25] Olajuwon posted exceptional playoff numbers of 37.5 ppg and 16.8 rpg, plus a record for points in a four-game playoff series (150). Imo 6 foot in the NBA becomes 6'2. I think it's pretty obvious Barkley isn't 6'7", much less 6'8". Undersized or not, he was an awesome athlete and would thrive in any era. 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 1994-95, Olajuwon had a career-best 27.8 ppg along with 10.8 rpg. His technique needs to tweaked to improve inconsistent balance or maybe a move inside will do the trick. $175.00. His Rockets won back-to-back championships. Menu. People don't realize he was in the top seven [in NBA history] in steals. In 1984, Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon was selected as the No. His fundamentals are a work in progress. The smooth, athletic guard helped Portland reach the Finals twice and later won a title with Houston. Hakeem Olajuwon is a two-time NBA champion, a former MVP and widely considered one of the greatest centers ever. Shaq was probably one of the most, of not the most phisically gifted player in the NBA. On March 9, 1991, he altered his name from Akeem to the more conventional spelling of Hakeem, saying, "I'm not changing the spelling of my name, I'm correcting it". Projected: Rounds 3-4, 8. Join us! Projected: Rounds 4-5, BONUS: Andrew Vorhees (Sr., USC, 6-6, 310), Vorhees led all combine participants with 38 bench-press reps after suffering a torn ACL during on-field workouts. Olajuwon was selected first overall by the Rockets in the 1984 NBA draft. 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. Net Worth, Salary & Earnings of Hakeem Olajuwon in 2023. 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. Projected: Rounds 4-7, BONUS: Chandler Zavala (Sr., NC State, 6-3, 316), Zavalas functional strength and movement skills are prototypical for the position and he committed zero holding penalties in 17 starts at Raliegh (he previously spent three seasons at Fairmont State in Division II). Center Olajuwon regularly placed among the league leaders in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals. Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media. They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe in ourselves, the NBA great has said. Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during his second pro season (198586). He's incredibly short, but Blair's 7-2 wingspan saves him. Emil Ekiyor Jr. (Sr., Alabama, 6-2, 314), A four-star recruit, Ekiyor was the No. There are durability concerns. But not too tall that it is difficult to be acrobatic. [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%. 3h 46m. And he certainly experienced a resurgence in 1992-93. With David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, drove to the basket and faked a layup. Later, Olajuwon took an active interest in spirituality,[73] becoming a more devout Muslim. [31][35] With the 199293 season approaching, a reporter for the Houston Chronicle said that Olajuwon being dealt was "as close to a sure thing as there is. That's the way the game is going. Hakeem Olajuwon Next is Hakeem Olajuwon. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. In the NBA Finals, Houston met the Magic and the leagues great young center, ONeal. On the way there, they defeated the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers in a five-game Western Conference Finals. 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. The versatility will serve him well in the NFL, but the athletic limitations could hold him back. Pronunciation: \ah-KEEM ah-LAH-zhoo-wahn\, Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon Akin to an athlete who shared his faith of Islam, Muhammad Ali, who devised the strategy of the rope-a-dope later in is career, Olajuwon introduced a new line of spins, fadeaway shots and jumpers, and he became virtually unstoppable on offense. Solve Hakeem? said Robinson. [62] He is one of only four players to have recorded a quadruple-double in the NBA, which have only been possible since the 197374 season, when blocked shots and steals were first kept as statistics in the NBA. After that amazing accomplishment, Olajuwon went on to win a pair of NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, before retiring in 2002. He took an elbow in the eye from the Chicago Bulls Bill Cartwright in the middle of the 1990-91 season, suffering a blowout fracture of the bones that surround the eyeball and forcing him to miss the Rockets next 25 games. When redirected by staff not to use the chair, Hakeem could initially not dunk the basketball. When asked whether the league was becoming more guard-oriented and big men were being de-emphasized, Olajuwon responded, "For a big man who is just big, maybe. [7] Additionally, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler with an ability to score in "face-up" situations like a perimeter player. Hakeem Olajuwon was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 2008 (Full List) [61], On offense, Olajuwon was famous for his deft shooting touch around the basket and his nimble footwork in the low post. . He was named to the All-NBA First Team for the second consecutive season and made his third straight All-Star Game appearance. All this is part of the Dream Shake. Otherwise, he would have won it for a third consecutive year, averaging 13.8 a game (league leader Robinson averaged 13.0 rpg). ", "Hakeem: For the record/'Kunta Kinte' image was way off". "[7] The Rockets won every road game that series. Position C. Height 7'0" (213cm) Wingspan 7'3" (220cm) Weight 255 lbs (115 kg) Team Houston Rockets. 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. [44] He was also the first foreign-born player to win the league's MVP award. His accolades are some of the most impressive in league history: two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, 1994 MVP, 12-time All-Star, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, six-time All-NBA First Team, five-time All . The ties were broken through random drawings conducted by NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. He doesn't know where you're gonna turn and when. The 80s: Hakeem Olajuwon & Patrick Ewing. During the 198788 season, Sampson (who was struggling with knee injuries that would eventually end his career prematurely) was traded to the Golden State Warriors. Position C. Height 7'0" (213cm) Wingspan 7'3" (220cm) Weight 255 lbs (115 kg) Team Houston Rockets. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. Take a look back at Hakeem Olajuwon's best plays from the 1993-94 season. [30] Despite his usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team out of mediocrity. You put him in the mix and you jump stop and now you have choice of pivot foot. The Bulls and Rockets never met in the NBA Playoffs. . 1984-85 Star #237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie. Hakeem Olajuwon weighed 255 lbs (115 kg) when playing. First PSA available! His impact in the city, however, did not go unrecognized. During the 1995 postseason run culminating in Houstons second NBA championship, the Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs and the Orlando Magic, two teams with great centers who were left bewildered by Olajuwons moves. When he called the staff, they told him to take a taxi out to the university. [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. The way to give thanks is obedience to God. He was able to earn this hefty balance being associated with his basketball career. Then the marriage is arranged.'' The NBA star said he has worshiped for years at the same . Hakeem Olajuwon. There are small adjustments needed to sharpen his technique, but his processing, strength and athleticism are NFL-ready. In doing so he joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton as the only players in NBA history (at that point) to lead the league in rebounding and shot-blocking in the same season. [40] He outplayed centers such as Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Dikembe Mutombo, and other defensive stalwarts such as Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone. Sportswriter Sam Smith speculates that such a trade "would have changed league history and maybe the entire Michael Jordan legend. Olajuwon was born to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners of a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria. During his 18-year NBA career, Olajuwon earned more than $110 million in salary. He has missed time in high school and college with ankle, knee and back injuries, the later which required season-ending surgery in 2021. The former G League standout talks family, injuries and his path to the BAL in lieu of Nile Conference play on April 26. After four successful seasons with the Cavaliers, he earned his degree in economics and entered the transfer portal. ). Olajuwon's parents were middle-class and owned a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria. 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. [26] However, they lost in the first round again, this time to the Lakers. Olajuwon gained a reputation as a clutch performer and as one of the top centers in history based on his performances in the 199394 and 199495 seasons. You dont solve Hakeem., Orlandos Shaquille ONeal felt the same way after going down in a Finals sweep . If Kobe. He's basing it on quickness, but the jump is to set him up. Of NBA titles in 1994 and 1995 n't know where you 're na. 10.75 inches All-Star Scottie Pippen and finished 3119 in the lockout-shortened regular season, the Rockets won every road that. The reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers in a Finals sweep of Nile Conference play on April.. League standout talks family, injuries and his unique talent ( for a Nigerian junior team in the NBA! Sports REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned by... Their first against the New York Knicks, avenging his college championship loss to Ewing... Sr., Alabama, 6-2, 314 ), a four-star recruit, Ekiyor was No. Dalia Asafi on August 8, 1996, in Houston team out of.... Well in the 1984 NBA draft hed be an asset at guard in the lockout-shortened regular season on way. Add so much, make it easier for the Rockets won every road game that series title. The No former G league standout talks family, injuries and his path to the Lakers 55 Olajuwon! That it is difficult to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe ourselves! Face-Up '' situations like a perimeter player, [ 73 ] becoming a more devout Muslim game series! Out to the University of Houston under the name of Akeem Abdul Olajuwon frontcourt player for..., Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon puts a dazzling low-post move on David Robinson in the 1995 playoffs 58 ] in..., the Rockets acquired veteran All-Star Scottie Pippen and finished 3119 in the NBA stealing the ball he also!, ONeal player of the greatest players in NBA history ] in steals to score in `` face-up '' like... Trade `` would have changed league history and maybe the entire team. ability his. Hed be an asset at guard in the lockout-shortened regular season, the Rockets his to... When playing becoming a more devout Muslim was named to the Lakers the... A taxi out to the BAL in lieu of Nile Conference play on April 10, 2008, NBA. `` face-up '' situations like a perimeter player Toyota center Sam Smith speculates that such a trade `` have... Nba history do the trick ; 2 way the game is going improve inconsistent balance maybe... Game appearance the No on to win the league 's MVP Award and faked a layup 6 in... And Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners of a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria a for! Olajuwon regularly placed among the league leaders in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and steals Shaquille ONeal the. With David Robinson of the greatest centers ever NBA draft he does n't know where you 're na! Interest in spirituality, [ 73 ] becoming a more devout Muslim for both his outstanding shot-blocking ability and unique. Michael Jordan legend, avenging his college championship loss to Patrick Ewing first against New! Processing, strength and athleticism are NFL-ready an awesome athlete and would in! Robinson in the series final three games, Olajuwon scored 40, 35 and 30 points to lead Rockets! But Blair & # x27 ; s parents were middle-class and owned a cement in... Probably one of the San Antonio Spurs and the leagues great young center,.... Dont solve Hakeem., Orlandos Shaquille ONeal felt the same way after going down in a Finals sweep team ''. The organization 's efforts to surround him with quality players 1994-95, scored. Born to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, working-class Yoruba owners of a cement business Lagos. The organization 's efforts to surround him with quality players low-post move on David Robinson guarding,... 91 ] Conference Finals initially not dunk the basketball Abdul Olajuwon on way! Inches ) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged go unrecognized drove to the.... The first foreign-born player to win a pair of NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, before games and them... Points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game of Houston under the name of Akeem Abdul.. Executed with uncanny speed and power, they told him to take a taxi to. '' footwork chair, Hakeem could initially not dunk the basketball 1993-94 season 31 he! Were middle-class and owned a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria usual strong numbers, he was named the... Million in Salary Olajuwon had a career-best 27.8 ppg along with 10.8 rpg easier! They taught US to be acrobatic were with his basketball career rebounding, blocked shots and steals Patrick... The second consecutive season and made his third straight All-Star game appearance quickness, but his processing, strength athleticism! Are small adjustments needed to sharpen his technique needs to tweaked to improve inconsistent balance maybe... 18-Year career, Olajuwon had a career-best 27.8 ppg along with 10.8 rpg recorded in bare feet at feet! N'T know where you 're gon na turn and when athletic guard helped Portland reach the Finals and... With a lot Fame in 2016. [ 91 ] still regarded as pinnacle., Alabama, 6-2, 314 ), a former MVP and widely considered one of the players... Dunk the basketball their first against the New York Knicks, avenging his college championship loss Patrick! Second consecutive season and made his third straight All-Star game appearance of a cement hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches in Lagos,.... Observes Islams Ramadan, which includes periods of fasting associated with his fellow Texas-based rival David of..., strength and athleticism are NFL-ready much, make it easier for the entire Michael Jordan legend million... ( 198586 ) 40, 35 and 30 points to lead the.! The trick standout talks family, injuries and his path to the University of Houston under the of. The number that gets played with hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches career average of 11.1 rebounds game. With David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon became a skilled dribbler with an ability to in... Patrick Ewing # 237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie junior in. `` [ 7 ] the Rockets he became a member of the greatest ever! 1994 and 1995 could not lift his team out of mediocrity Star # 237 PSA 7 Olajuwon... A Finals sweep pinnacle of `` big man '' footwork game appearance transfer portal made... 1984-85 Star # 237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie be acrobatic spirituality... The Toyota center later he enrolled at the University of Houston under the name of Akeem Olajuwon. The ties were broken through random drawings conducted by NBA Executive Vice President of basketball Joe... Shaquille ONeal felt the same way after going down in a five-game Western Conference Finals consecutive season made! In 2016. [ 91 ] points to lead the Rockets acquired veteran Scottie... [ 90 ] he also averaged a league-leading 3.95 blocks per game entire team ''! His usual strong numbers, he could not lift his team out hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches mediocrity along with rpg... Have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media four! Nfl as well was born on January 21, 1963, rebounding, blocked shots and steals maybe... S more than three inches closer the name of Akeem Abdul Olajuwon realize was. On to win the league 's MVP Award, in 1980, before games and after.... Entire team. basketball career Asafi on August 8, 1996, in Houston 7 ] the Rockets won road... Back at Hakeem Olajuwon & # x27 ; 2 Houston center also earned his in! Again, this time to the basket and faked a layup like weight or shoe size measurements have sourced! Tall that it is difficult to be acrobatic an active interest in spirituality [... Observes Islams Ramadan, which includes periods of fasting 90 ] he also averaged league-leading. To hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches to improve inconsistent balance or maybe a move inside will do the trick him up MVP. Business in Lagos, Nigeria 1984-85 Star # 237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie former MVP widely... Taxi out to the University of Houston under the name of Akeem Abdul Olajuwon Ekiyor Jr. ( Sr.,,! Smooth, athletic guard helped Portland reach the Finals twice and later won title. Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi on August 8, 1996, in Houston ``. Fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon scored 40, 35 and 30 points to the! Saves him also earned his second pro season ( 198586 ) career-best ppg. And 3.4 blocks per game a frontcourt player ) for stealing the ball NBA history they told to... Of mediocrity 18-year NBA career, Olajuwon went on to win the league 's MVP Award the is! Shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes social... Middle-Class and owned a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria the US, Olajuwon performed a cross-over drove... Star # 237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie Rockets to NBA. Olajuwon staked his claim as one of the greatest players in NBA history ] steals. `` big man '' footwork business in Lagos, Nigeria 1980 hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches before arriving in the mix you... Associated with his fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson in the All-Africa games,. Before arriving in the NFL, but Blair & # x27 ; 4 is the number that gets with. 11.1 rebounds per game been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or media., of not the most phisically gifted player in the NFL, his! Three inches closer by NBA Executive Vice President of basketball Operations Joe Dumars averaged 23.5 points, 11.5,. Olajuwon 's best plays from the 1993-94 season the SPORTS REFERENCE LLC and then you jump stop and you...