This prevented him from playing for the US team because he wasnt a citizen and FIBA regulations prevented a player from representing multiple National teams. Instead, Houston brought in a new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, who worked to keep Olajuwon in a Rockets uniform. Further, his confidence is at least partly fueled by encouragement from his father to be his own player not least of all because theres a difference between playing center as his father did, and being a perimeter player like the younger Olajuwon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In 1993, he also adopted American citizenship. After redshirting his freshman year, he became the Cougars' sixth man. "Families meet, talk, get to know one another. Consequently, Olajuwon emerged as the Rockets franchise player. . This name was given to him because he used to dunk so effortlessly that his coach from the college said it just looked like a dream to him. And growing up, soccer was his first love despite his dad being one of the most well-known basketball players of all time. Abisola who is Hakeem's daughter from the aforementioned previous relationship has since followed in the footsteps of her father by professionally playing basketball. ""I always keep a ball in the car. For now, the duo is living a happy married life with their beautiful children without any rumors of divorce and extramarital affairs. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808952&cache=false" Pronunciation: \ah-KEEM ah-LAH-zhoo-wahn\. Everybody wanted to play it, and so thats what I did.. wid: "428986", Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon Twitter: DR34M (formerly Akeem Olajuwon) (The Dream, Little Moses) Position: Center Shoots: Right 7-0, 255lb (213cm, 115kg) . He also led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995 and was named Finals MVP both years. This article was created by a combination of a few writers and editors from Sporty Tell. He purchased Houston's former Federal Reserve Bank building and converted it into a mosque. After the 1984 season, Olajuwon opted to turn professional. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808954&cache=false" Olajuwon also has daughter, Abisola Olajuwon, who was drafted by the Chicago Sky of the WNBA in 2010 and played for the Tulsa Shock in 2011. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808965&cache=false" Abdullah Olajuwon's early journey to basketball. For the first time in Oklahoma center Abi Olajuwon's four years with the Sooners, Hakeem Olajuwon watched his daughter play from the stands Sunday in Oklahoma's 73-66 loss to Stanford in the national semifinals. Hakeem had a relationship with Lita Spencer, with whom he has an older daughter, Abisola. The year proved to be a turning point for Olajuwon and the Rockets. Meanwhile, Olajuwon finished second to Charles Barkley in the MVP race. He is ranked at 13 by the SLAM Magazines 2009 issue on 50 greatest players of all time. Olajuwon, paired with Ralph Sampson in the front court, had a stellar rookie year, averaging 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, and finished second to Jordan in the Rookie of Year voting. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. Olajuwon studied at the University of Houston. Playing as a goalkeeper helped Olajuwon learn how to balance his weight as well as strength. var qs = Object.keys(params).reduce(function(a, k){ a.push(k + '=' + encodeURIComponent(params[k])); return a},[]).join(String.fromCharCode(38)); Olajuwon said Price and his Clements teammates have been a big reason for the development of his confidence, and in turn, his game. Center Hakeem Olajuwon of the Toronto Raptors shoots over forward Andrew DeClercq of the Orlando Magic during the NBA game at TD Waterhouse Centre (later Amway Arena) in Orlando, Florida, on March 10, 2002. 5. But a year later, in 2002, he retired from professional basketball career. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Toronto Raptors drives against Zeljko Rebraca of the Detroit Pistons during game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals series during the 2002 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) in Toronto, Canada. Pond called various basketball contacts in the United States and arranged for Olajuwon to visit six schools, including St. John's University and the University of Houston.Olajuwon arrived in New York City in October 1980. She made the WNBA draft in 2010 and was selected by Chicago Sky. He led the Cougars to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 1982 to 1984, and was named the Most Outstanding Player in 1983. From the 1996 season to the 1999 season, Olajuwon continued in fine form, but with Michael Jordan back in action, the Rockets struggled to claim another Championship. This is why you don't see just one author for this article. His parents Salim and Abike Olajuwon were cement business owners and had eight children together. Moreover, in 1994, he became the only NBA player ever to win the MVP, the Championship title, the Finals MVP, and the Defensive Player of the Year award in a single season. During those 18 years, Olajuwon established himself as one of the top basketball players not just of his time, but to have ever played in the NBA. He has a tell-all autobiography written along with Peter Knobler in 1996 titled Living the Dream. The driver figured that Olajuwon meant the University of Houston, and when Olajuwon arrived on campus, the coaching staff immediately knew that they had struck gold. She flourished in her final year after playing behind Courtney and Ashley Paris. Hakeen Olajuwon career contract and earnings: Talking about his endorsement deals, he had a contract with LA Gear and also endorsed The Dream, a sneaker that had a retail price of $34.99. During his career, Hakeem has played for. })(document); Your email address will not be published. There is a Hakeem Olajuwon Foundation in existence today located in the USA. Moreover, Olajuwon is also aurthor of the book named, Living the Dream, which is an autobiography about him and was published in 1996. Oklahoma Grad. Olajuwon did not play basketball until late 1978 when, at the age of fifteen, he joined the school's basketball team coached by Ganiyu Otenigbade, who taught him to play the center position.Richard Mills, a United States coach who was head of the Nigerian National Sports Coaching Institute, spotted Olajuwon playing in a pick-up game in Lagos and invited him to play with the Nigerian National Team. Her husband, Hakeem Olajuwon, is a former professional basketball player and played with the Houston Rockets for 17 years. d: "YWxsc3RhcmJpby5jb20=", Required fields are marked *. + qs; src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808957&cache=false" Also, he shares a daughter named Abi from the relationship with his previous wife. Due to a back injury, Olajuwon decided to retire in the fall of 2002 after only one season with the Raptors. So I was just playing soccer for so long. Hakeen belongs to the married club, and as of now, he is enjoying a smooth marital relationship with his wife, Dalia Asafi. Additionally, Hakeem was drafted by the Houston Rockets as a first overall selection of the 1984 NBA draft. () (). He tells me what Im doing right and what Im doing wrong Ive just got to take it the right way. "I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention. Being an all-cash buyer has also allowed him to beat out competitors who are relying on bank approvals for key deals. At SportyTell.com, we strive for fairness and accuracy. On August 8th 1996, he got married to, wife, Dalia Asafi. In 1988, Ralph Sampson was traded with Warriors, and that made Hakeem Olajuwon, the sole star player for the Houston Rockets. Even back in the '40s, Steve Rogers was juiced up into a super-soldier. Jason Collins of the New Jersey Nets takes a shot over Hakeem Olajuwon of the Toronto Raptors during a game at the Continental Airlines Arena (now Meadowlands Arena) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, originally Akeem Olajuwon, is a former professional basketball player from Nigeria. cb: (new Date()).getTime() As a young boy, Olajuwon was interested in sports, but not basketball at first. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808945&cache=false" The Rockets repeated as NBA champions in 1995, sweeping the Orlando Magic. "You feel goose bumps," Hakeem Olajuwon said. Privacy Policy He finished the season runner-up to Michael Jordan in the Rookie of the Year voting. Wiki Bio, husband, What is Grace Fulton doing now? Following a dismal 1991 and 1992 season, Olajuwon requested a trade from the Rocket, citing contract issues as well as unconvincing performance. Then we moved to London, and thats the biggest sport. Besides, Daila is the second wife of Hakeem. Olajuwon made it clear at the time that although Dalia was still a young adult at the time, she had knowledge, experience, and wisdom well . Shocked by the hustle and bustle of the airport and New York's cold weather, he cancelled his trip to St. John's and flew straight to Houston, where he asked a taxi driver to take him to the "University of Austin." But he also has different skill sets than his father did, and has molded himself into a unique player on the court, according to his coach. Physical Characteristics: Olajuwon prides his parents as devoted people who made sure they instilled core values such as respect, hard work and honesty in their children. She is 54 years old and holds Nigerian nationality. On the surface, the 17-year-old Olajuwon might not appear to have any reason to lack confidence. Memorabilia in Baybrook Mall hosts a Hall of Fame afternoon with Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon ( taking pictures with fans and signing autographs. Do they share any children from their relationship? Additionally, Hakeem tied a knot with his wife when he was just 18 years old. In 1984, with Clyde Drexler gone to the NBA's Portland Trailblazers, Olajuwon became the focal point of the Houston team, leading the nation in rebounding, averaging 13.5 per game, and field-goal accuracy with 67.5 percent, while earning Player of the Year honors. In both his sophomore and junior years, Olajuwon helped lead the Cougars to consecutive NCAA championship games. What the foundation does is to help children in the Southwestern part of America get funds for whatever it is that needs financing for them to have better lives. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! With basketball becoming a viable option, Abdul admitted that once he played it, things changed. Hes averaging about 11 points and close to 10 rebounds per game as a starter for the Rangers, who have already won their most games since that 2013-2014 campaign. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. Though many think his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, was backward, Olajuwon counters such claims, claiming his childhood in Lagos was never backward as he met and interacted with various individuals from different ethnic groups. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (function(d) { Guard Trajan Langdon of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over center Hakeem Olajuwon of the Toronto Raptors during the NBA game at Gund Arena (now Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse) in Cleveland, Ohio. They were married Thursday in Houston. During the height of his career, Olajuwon was selected as a member of the 1996 US Olympic basketball team, dubbed Dream Team II. According to a 2006 New York Times profile, Hakeem up to that point had transacted over $100 million worth of real estate purchases. There he played only one season before retiring in 2002. Also, he belongs to the ethnic group the African. (Coach Price) is pushing me to my limit, making me do things I didnt think I could do myself, Olajuwon said. The former Houston Rockets star has lived in Jordan for the past several years, splitting his time between there and Houston. http://www.BoredFIlmGrads.comhttp://www.Facebook.com/BoredFilmGrads@BoredFIlm This foundation was very helpful during the Covid Lockdown. After retiring, Hakeem embarked on what became a highly-successful entrepreneurial career. . Olajuwon, once again named the NBA Finals MVP, ended the season with his second championship title. However, there is no information about her exact date and place of birth. HOOP 'DREAM': The Houston Rockets legend said he's putting his two sons in position to follow him. All of that just comes together and creates the player I am.. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. Center Hakeem Olajuwon of the Toronto Raptors shoots a jump shot during the NBA game against the Indiana Pacers at Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena) in Toronto, Canada. He helped the team win gold. He has another daughter with his previous wife, Lita Spencer, named Abisola Olajuwon. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon is the third of eight children born on January 21, 1963, to Salim Olajuwon and Abike Olajuwon. The two tied the knot of husband and wife in August 1996. Olajuwon dominated at both ends of the floor, and the Rockets took the seven-game series in four games. "Hes seen that he can get some things done on the court, so his confidence has really grown. d.getElementById("contentad428986").appendChild(s); Olajuwon, a 33-year-old Nigerian who is now a U.S. citizen, worshiped for years at the same Houston mosque as the bride's father. For NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon though, it was always a sport he wanted to see his sons pursue. Olajuwon, paired with Ralph Sampson in the front court, had a stellar rookie year, averaging 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, and finished second to Jordan in the Rookie of Year voting. In the 1987/88 season, Ralph Sampsons knee injury which ended his career prematurely started. " (Coach Price) is pushing me to my limit, making me do things I didn't think I could do myself," Olajuwon said. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets lays up a shot during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 3, 2000 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. He also became the first player not born in the US to win the MVP. Besides this, there is no information concerning her early life and family background. var p = 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? HOUSTON, Texas -- In the West Midlands Region of the United Kingdom, the game of basketball is not the most popular sport. Olajuwon won two NBA championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995 and was named the NBA Finals MVP in both years. With their love of basketball growing, Hakeem had to make a decision and knew moving back to the United States would be best for their basketball future. Although the Rockets faced disappointment the next year, Olajuwon continued his personal professional success, leading the league in rebounds and blocks. You never know. He is married to Dalia Asafi and has two daughters with her. However, there is no information about her exact date and place of birth. Dalia Asafi may be earning a good amount of money from the profession she is involved in. He is also one of the only four players in NBA history to have scored a quadruple-double. Hakeem Olajuwon was a center. So this is my second home. During the 1998-99 season, Olajuwon's scoring production improved, helping him make his 12th and final All-NBA Team. There he played only one season before retiring in 2002. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets moves the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 25, 2000 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. Here are some notable quick facts that you should know about the retired Nigerian -American basketball legend. ""When you get to that level, it's not a matter of talent anymore - because all the players are so talented - it's about preparation, about playing smart and making good decisions. New to college, Olajuwon wasnt a recruit that scouts rallied to sign, but a friend to the Houston varsity coach, Guy Lewis, recommended Olajuwon to Lewis after he saw Olajuwon play. Their marriage produced four children; two daughters - Rahmah and Aisha and two sons - Abdullah and Abdul. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, Akeem Olajuwon, The Dream. ""Basketball is in my blood. Wik Sanaya Irani's Biography - Husband Mohit Sehgal, N What is Sara Martins doing now? He remains the only player to do so in NBA history. Hakeem Olajuwon is a former Professional Basketball Player who is Nigerian-American. He also recorded a quadruple-double, becoming only the third NBA player ever to do so. Hakeem is a strict observer of Ramadan (he abstains from food and drink during daylight hours for about a month). Hakeem OlajuwonDalia Asafi - wifeAbi, Aisha, and Rahmah - daughters As of now, the husband and wife share two daughters. It was around this time he earned the nickname "The Dream" due to his effortless dunking. After moving to the United States in 2019, he played at Houstons Village School his sophomore season before coming to Sugar Land and Clements two seasons ago. But since men and women are separated when praying, he did not meet his future bride or her mother until a meeting was arranged. Hakeem Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player who has a net worth of $300 million. 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