Outsiders Rising: Hakeem Olajuwon
During his 18-year career, Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon staked his claim as one of the greatest players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. Long considered an incredible physical specimen (he stands at an incredible 7 feet or 2.13m tall yet he could move like a much smaller player) since his days at the University of Houston, his graceful yet productive play — highlighted by his Houston Rockets’ back-to-back NBA titles — earned him a place among the game’s best.
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.
“They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe in ourselves,” the NBA great has said.
Olajuwon, which translates loosely to “always being on top,” began playing basketball at the late age of 15. Olajuwon’s high school, the Muslim Teachers College, was an entry in the basketball tournament at the All-Nigeria Teachers Sports Festival in Sokoto — but Olajuwon was on the handball team. A fellow student approached the coach and asked if Olajuwon could play for the team. Permission was granted and a basketball superstar was born.
Two years later he enrolled at the University of Houston under the name of Akeem Abdul Olajuwon. He dropped references to “Abdul” prior to entering the NBA and officially adopted “Hakeem” on March 9, 1991.
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. He played three seasons at Houston and helped push the Cougars into the College Basketball Final Four each year he was there.
Olajuwon believes that his religious faith supported his drive to a great career. During the NBA season he always observed Islam’s Ramadan, which includes periods of fasting. He would wake up before dawn to eat precisely seven dates — the traditional Muslim fast-breaking food — and to drink a gallon of water. He would follow with a prayer for strength and have no food or liquid until sunset.
Olajuwon played in the NBA for 20 years until he retired in 2002 with a long list of accomplishments that included two NBA championships and two NBA finals Most Valuable Player awards.
In the 20 years since he retired, Olajuwon has built a successful business career that has seen his net worth grow beyond US$200 million. He owns a significant real estate portfolio that continues to grow today.
I remember watching highlights in the 1990s of Olajuwon playing basketball as a teenager in Zimbabwe on a television program called Gillette World Sport Special. I was fascinated by Olajuwon at a time when the great Michael Jordan was the NBA’s biggest star. I gravitated towards Olajuwon because of his African roots and I was glad to see him thrive.
That’s the brief story of Hakeem Olajuwon. A true rising outsider.
Until next time… ✌🏾
Munatsi
Twitter: @Munatsi_
Twitter: @OutsiderRising