Olajuwon grew up in Lagos playing mostly soccer but changed his focus to basketball at the age of 15 because of his height, then six feet, nine inches. By jumping, I don't have a pivot foot now. > Archive 75: Hakeem Olajuwon| 75 Stories: Hakeem Olajuwon. Matched against the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points to Robinsons 25.5. T-Mac was measured 6'6.25" barefoot. However, his production was slipping and he played just two more years in Houston, averaging less than 12.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg. 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. In Feet and Inches - 6 10 . Olajuwon suited up for Team Africa in his No. DR34M, Position: The eight-year veteran, who later in the season became a naturalized United States citizen on April 2, 1993, was simply spectacular throughout the year. During the tournament, he shared his minutes with Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson. For his spectacular play, Olajuwon was awarded his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award. [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%. In 2022, the NBA renamed its Defensive Player of the Year award as The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy. [44] He was also the first foreign-born player to win the league's MVP award. He returned to play close to a full schedule during the lockout season of 1998-99. The two big men had similar numbers as Olajuwon averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists to ONeals 28.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Olajuwon set a new career-high with 26.1 points per game. 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. Hakeem Olajuwon - Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (; Yoruba: [olauw]; born January 21, 1963), formerly spelled (and still pronounced as) Akeem Olajuwon, is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. Age if still allive and other unique data for Hakeem Olajuwon. He retired after playing one season for the Toronto Raptors in 2001-02, interrupting 20 years, including his college career, of playing in the city of Houston. Playoffs; Olajuwon Plays Above the Rim, in the Stratosphere, "ROCKETS: Hakeem Olajuwon: The NBA's Best in the Mid '90s", "San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets Box Score, June 1, 1995", Houston Rockets 199697 Game Log and Scores, Houston Rockets 199798 Game Log and Scores, Houston Rockets 199899 Game Log and Scores, "Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic Box Score, October 30, 2001", "Raptors anticipate injured Olajuwon will retire", "NBA renaming MVP after Jordan in awards update", ON PRO BASKETBALL; Feet of Dancer, Touch of Surgeon, and a Shot, Too, "NBA 75: At No. I think it's pretty obvious Barkley isn't 6'7", much less 6'8". [89], On August 1, 2015, Olajuwon made a special appearance for Team Africa at the 2015 NBA Africa exhibition game. $6.00. Welcome to draft season! He was the third of six children. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Calvin Murphy's ability to score -- especially at the free throw line -- made him one of the league's biggest stars. Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016. Olajuwon then tried to stand on the chair himself. However, due to Olajuwons strict Muslim beliefs, the Rockets instead unveiled a bronze monument honoring Olajuwon outside the arena in 2006. After guiding the Houston Rockets to NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, he was awarded Finals MVP. ft inches. Later in his career signed a shoe endorsement deal with LA Gear, and became the face of Spalding's athletic shoe line and endorsed a sneaker that retailed in various outlets (such as Payless ShoeSource) for $34.99. 1 overall pick by the Houston Rockets. Jordan McFadden (Sr., Clemson, 6-2, 303), This three-year starter (former three-star recruit) and senior captain made double-digit starts at both tackle positions and was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy (top ACC blocker) in 2022. The following season was a low point for the Rockets during Olajuwon's tenure. I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. OLAJUWON, Hakeem Abdul (b. Eye color: Dark Brown. However, the team was swept by the Sonics in the 1996 conference semifinals. 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. Hakeem Olajuwon was born in Lagos, Nigeria. he wasnt even center untill later in his career and he was shorter than ewing,robinson,shaq. He dropped references to Abdul prior to entering the NBA and officially adopted Hakeem on March 9, 1991. Photo by Nick Juhasz- Wikimedia commons. While trying to adjust to Drexlers presence, the Rockets closed out the season in bumpy fashion and entered the playoffs seeded sixth in the Western Conference. Olajuwon was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the first overall selection of the 1984 NBA draft, a draft that included Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. For winning 2 championships for the Rockets in a difficult 90's era. How Hakeem Olajuwon tried and failed to stop the 90s sneaker killings Read more The Hall of Fame center chuckled when asked if he thought Trump as president would be devastating to American Muslims. The 198990 season was a disappointment for the Rockets. The difference in height is 208 cm or 6 ft 10 inches. When I dribble I move it so when I come here, I jump. She can't. We helped from different angles. [74] He later recalled, "I studied the Qur'an every day. 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. Harris, Othello, Nolte, Claire Elaine, and Kirsch, George B. After that amazing accomplishment, Olajuwon went on to win a pair of NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, before retiring in 2002. ng, High School: Hakeem Olajuwon was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 2008 (Full List) 1. The team went on to win the gold medal in Atlanta. Akeem OLAJUWON Hakeem 1986 Fleer ROOKIE CARD #82 PSA 7 NM HOF . Olajuwon was born in Nigeria on Jan. 21, 1963. One year earlier, the Rockets won a coin flip with the Indiana Pacers, allowing the franchise to select the University of Virginias Ralph Sampson. While playing among legendary competition during his career, Olajuwon emerged as one of the best players in NBA history. Welcome! In 1994, he became the only player in NBA history to win the MVP, the Championship, the Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. [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. He only had one career start vs. an FBS opponent (Arizona in 2022) and less than ideal arm length might necessitate a move to guard in the NFL. [38] The team rewarded him with a four-year contract extension toward the end of the regular season.[39]. 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. And he certainly experienced a resurgence in 1992-93. 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. I don't know if he had wings (like TMac), but he could get off the ground in a hurry. Born place: Lagos, Nigeria. Projected: Rounds 4-5, 9. If I had to pick a center [for an all-time best team], I would take Olajuwon. Hakeem Olajuwon. Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 18 April 2023, at 01:19. [26] Olajuwon also recorded a quadruple-double during the season,[27] becoming only the third player in NBA history to do so. He is know. His fundamentals are a work in progress. [66] The couple have four children together. In 1994-95, Olajuwon had a career-best 27.8 ppg along with 10.8 rpg. Take a look back at Hakeem Olajuwon's best plays from the 1993-94 season. Right, Born: Before I come down, I make my move. 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. Player stats broken down into various categories; i.e. This is the sixth of 11 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL Draft (April 27-29). 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. There are small adjustments needed to sharpen his technique, but his processing, strength and athleticism are NFL-ready. ``There is no dating process, no boyfriends and girlfriends in Islam,'' Olajuwon said in a statement issued Monday. When redirected by staff not to use the chair, Hakeem could initially not dunk the basketball. He averaged 13.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.1 blocks in 198283 and 16.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 5.6 blocks in 198384. Theres a long list of injuries beyond the ACL in March, but his mental and physical toughness is unimpeachable and he has starting experience at both guard positions and left tackle. Sometimes they kill for them. He's incredibly short, but Blair's 7-2 wingspan saves him. [45] He wrote his autobiography, Living the Dream, with co-author Peter Knobler in 1996. His massive hands (11 1/4 inches) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged. Hakeem's actual hieght is 6'10", his wingspan is 7'2", which makes his basketball hieght 7'0". [25] This willingness to pass the ball increased his scoring, making it more difficult for opposing teams to double and triple-team him. Olajuwon was ineligible for selection to the "Dream Team" as he hadn't become a US citizen.[59]. Robinson, an excellent defender, kept up with Olajuwon and remained planted. Olajuwon spent the last season of his career with the Toronto Raptors, and retired after 18 years in the NBA in 2002. In the NBA Finals, Houston met the Magic and the leagues great young center, ONeal. With David Robinson guarding him, Olajuwon performed a cross-over, drove to the basket and faked a layup. [45], On December 1, 1994, Olajuwon recorded a triple-double 37 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a 113109 win over the Golden State Warriors. That leaves out Shaq, Patrick Ewing. They were bolstered in part by the acquisition of Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon's former University of Houston "Phi Slama Jama" teammate, in a mid-season trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. 34 Rockets jersey and pulled off a turn-around jumper that delighted the current NBA stars on the Team Africa and Team World rosters. [78] Olajuwon splits his time between Jordan, where he moved with his family to pursue Islamic studies,[10] and his ranch near Houston. I know Hakeem was 6'10" but he always looked like he had very long arms which was one of the reasons he blocked so many shots. This new Olajuwon had evolved after the dispute with management prompted him to reflect and then rededicate himself. From 1984 to 2002, he played the center position in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. Because of stagnated contract negotiations, many thought he had played his last game for Houston at the end of the 1991-92 campaign. After being down 21, the Knicks took a 32 lead into Game 6. After four successful seasons with the Cavaliers, he earned his degree in economics and entered the transfer portal. 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. As of the financial year of 2023, he has an estimated net worth of $230 million. Hakeem Olajuwon is a two-time NBA champion, a former MVP and widely considered one of the greatest centers ever. . Hakeem Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963. . 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. On April 10, 2008, the Rockets unveiled a sculpture in honor of him outside the Toyota Center. Do you have a blog? Examples of in a sentence 1998-99 Upper Deck Black Diamond - [Base] - Triple Diamond #39. [7] As in 1994, Olajuwon was the only Rockets All-Star.[51]. Shortly after his retirement, his No. The 10-year veteran was simply brilliant in the Finals, contributing 29.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.86 blocks per game. Hakeem Olajuwon attended Muslim Teachers College in Lagos, Nigeria and Houston. But this jump is the set-up for the second move, the baseline move. The former G League standout talks family, injuries and his path to the BAL in lieu of Nile Conference play on April 26. [28][29] However, the Rockets were swept in the playoffs by the LA Lakers. 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). Compare 0; Music. Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' but they don't know that where I'm going is predetermined. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Olajuwon was the third of six children and acquired the basic values that pushed him to succeed from his parents, who were middle-class and owned a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the best center in the NBA at the time, so I was trying to improve my game against the best. Olajuwon was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in January 1963, and lived there until he moved to Texas in 1980 to attend the University of Houston. I never knew Hakeem was 6'10.75" I always heard he was 6'10" flat. Hakeem Olajuwon Net Worth. During his 18-year NBA career, Olajuwon earned more than $110 million in salary. John Michael Schmitz (Sr., Minnesota, 6-3, 301), Schmitz has been one of the best offensive lineman in the nation since he became a starter way back in 2019. Data Provided By Draymond Green is given a Flagrant 2 foul for stomping on the chest of Domantas Sabonis, who earns a technical foul for grabbing Green's leg. He's more than three inches closer. The Dream Shake is you dribble and then you jump; now you don't have a pivot foot. 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'. Navigation ToggleNBA Games Home Tickets Schedule 2022-23 Season Schedule League. Hakeem Olajuwon Net Worth. 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. In a Life magazine story, San Antonios David Robinson seemed perplexed. He played three seasons at Houston and help push the Cougars into the Final Four each year. 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. Projected: Rounds 3-4, 8. Hakeem Olajuwon DraftExpress Profile: scouting reports, videos, stats and logs. [43] For his efforts Olajuwon was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. He weighed and weighs 215 pounds and has a wingspan of 6 8.75" and a standing reach of 8 0". Find out more. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. 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 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. Do they just measure out both their arms? $5.10 shipping. 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. Permission was granted and a basketball superstar was born. you in your waist to keep you from following him only for a wink but that's enough for him to finish shooting.Hakeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rockets tries to block a shot by Patrick Ewing in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks . [56] Olajuwon averaged career lows of 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in what would be his final season in the NBA, as he decided to retire in the fall of 2002, due to a back injury. There are durability concerns. During his 18-year career, Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon staked his claim as one of the greatest players in NBA history. 1984-85 Star #237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie. Nigerian-American basketball player (born 1963), Southwest Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, United States men's national basketball team, List of career achievements by Hakeem Olajuwon, List of National Basketball Association career games played leaders, List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career rebounding leaders, List of National Basketball Association franchise career scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career steals leaders, List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders, List of National Basketball Association career turnovers leaders, List of National Basketball Association career free throw scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career minutes played leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff rebounding leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff steals leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff blocks leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff turnovers leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff free throw scoring leaders, List of National Basketball Association annual rebounding leaders, List of National Basketball Association annual blocks leaders, List of National Basketball Association players with most blocks in a game, List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders, "Olajuwon, Hakeem definition of Olajuwon, Hakeem in English from the Oxford dictionary", "Hakeem refuses to be shaken by Trump's Muslim ban", "Hakeem Olajuwon Remembered: The Best Center of All Time", "Where does Bill Russell rank among best centers in NBA history? 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