Hakeem Olajuwon, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has left a lasting legacy on the game. Born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Houston, Texas, Hakeem’s unique blend of athleticism and skill made him an unstoppable force both offensively and defensively. His post moves were revolutionary for their era; he was able to score from virtually any angle with ease. He also possessed great defensive instincts that allowed him to dominate his opponents on this end of the court as well.
This combination led to multiple championships throughout his career — first with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995 — followed by numerous individual awards such as MVP (1993-94 season), Defensive Player of the Year (twice) and All-Star appearances (12). In 1996 he was inducted into Basketball’s Hall of Fame and is currently ranked among some of the greatest centers ever to play the game – including Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar & Shaquille O’Neal.
Off the court he has been just as impressive; donating millions through his Dream Foundation which helps provide opportunities for underprivileged children across Africa while continuing to be involved within his local community back home in Houston. Ultimately it will be Hakeem’s impactful influence off-court that will live long after he’s gone – teaching others about selflessness & compassion whilst inspiring future generations of athletes everywhere.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Early Life
Born to working-class Yoruba parents in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon was the third of eight children. His folks taught him values such as hard work, honesty and respect for his elders. Despite growing up in a cosmopolitan environment with people from various backgrounds, he initially struggled to dunk when he first started playing basketball at age 15.
However, it soon became apparent that this was the sport he should pursue after all other sports seemed “obsolete” to him. He attributed his success in basketball to his agility and shot-blocking ability which were honed by playing goalkeeper for soccer during his youth.
Hakeem Olajuwon – College
Hakeem Olajuwon emigrated from Nigeria to attend the University of Houston and play basketball under coach Guy Lewis. Despite not being highly recruited, he was offered a visit based on a recommendation. When he arrived at the airport in 1980 for his visit, no one was there to greet him so he took a taxi out to the school.
In 1981–82, Olajuwon redshirted his freshman year and served as sixth man averaging 8.3 points per game as Houston was eliminated in the Final Four by eventual NCAA champ North Carolina. To increase playing time, he worked out with Moses Malone – then an NBA MVP center for the Rockets – which helped rapidly improve his game against top-level competition.
Named “The Dream” for his effortless dunks, Olajuwon was part of the famous “Phi Slama Jama” college fraternity. He helped lead the Cougars to consecutive NCAA title games, where they lost in 1983 and 1984. For his efforts he was awarded the 1983 NCAA Tournament Player of the Year award. After considering staying in college or entering the NBA, Olajuwon correctly predicted Houston would win a coin flip against Portland for first overall pick, which indeed happened during the 1984 draft when he was selected by the Rockets.
In his autobiography “Living the Dream”, Olajuwon recounts a potential draft trade that could have drastically altered NBA history. The Rockets had been offered Clyde Drexler and the number two pick in the 1984 NBA draft from Portland in exchange for Ralph Sampson.
Had they gone through with it, Jordan would have joined Olajuwon and Drexler – who were already familiar with each other due to their Phi Slama Jama days in college – on the team. According to sports journalist Sam Smith, such a move “would have changed league history and maybe the entire Michael Jordan legend.” From 1991 to 1998, every championship-winning team featured either Jordan or Olajuwon; likewise, one of these three was always part of an NBA Finals series between 1990–98.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Houston Rockets
In Olajuwon’s rookie season, the Rockets improved their win-loss record from 29-53 to 48-34. He and Ralph Sampson created the first NBA “Twin Towers” duo. As a second year pro (1985–86), Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game as the Rockets advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they shocked the sports world by beating defending champion Los Angeles Lakers four games to one. Afterward, Pat Riley remarked “We tried everything…he’s just a great player” before Houston went on to lose in six games against Boston Celtics’ iconic 1986 squad in the NBA Finals.
During the ’87-’88 season, Rockets’ star center Hakeem Olajuwon began to rise as their undisputed leader following a trade of teammate Sampson (who was dealing with career-ending knee injuries) to Golden State. Don Chaney was brought on as new coach and the team ended the regular season 45–37. Olajuwon led the league in rebounds (13.5 per game) and blocks (3.4 per game) and posted exceptional playoff numbers of 37.5 points per game, 16.8 rebounds per game, plus an NBA record for most points in a four-game series (150).
Despite his efforts, they were eliminated by Seattle 3 games to 1 in Round 1. The next year saw more disappointment with a 41–41 record but still made it into playoffs only to be ousted by LA again in 4 games; however during this time frame Olajuwon had one of the best defensive seasons ever recorded for an interior player averaging 14+ boards per game and 4.6 blocks per game – joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Bill Walton as just third player in NBA history to lead both categories at once! He also recorded a quad double that year becoming only the third player ever to do so since 1973-74 when blocked shots started being tracked officially.
The Rockets ended the 1990–91 season with 52 wins and 30 losses, earning their head coach Don Chaney NBA Coach of the Year honors. As a result of an elbow to his eye socket from Bill Cartwright, Hakeem Olajuwon was forced to miss out on enough games (56) to qualify for the rebounding title – he would have won it for a third consecutive year, averaging 13.8 rebounds per game (Robinson had a league-leading average of 13.0 rpg). Despite this setback, Olajuwon still managed to lead the league with 3.95 blocks per game and averaged 21.8 points per game overall. Unfortunately, the LA Lakers swept away all hopes when Houston faced them in the playoffs that season.
The 1992-93 season marked a turning point in Hakeem Olajuwon’s tenure with the Houston Rockets, as his strong performance and improved willingness to pass the ball lifted them to new heights. After missing the playoffs the previous season and demanding a trade due to unhappiness over his contract situation, Olajuwon was determined to make an impact for his team. He responded by setting career highs in both assists (3.5 per game) and points (26.1 per game).
His efforts led the Rockets to their highest win total yet, 55, plus a second round appearance in the playoffs where they pushed Seattle SuperSonics to a seventh game before falling short 103–100 in overtime. Despite not winning MVP honors that year, Olajuwon’s impressive showing was rewarded with a four-year contract extension towards the end of regular season play – proving that he had resolved any irreconcilable differences between himself and management during this remarkable comeback campaign.
Hakeem Olajuwon cemented his name in history as one of the greatest centers to ever play basketball after his exceptional performances during the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons. He outdid many of his opponents, such as Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal and Dikembe Mutombo, as well as other league stars like Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone. In their head-to-head match-ups over seven seasons from 1989 to 1996, Olajuwon bested all competition with an average of 26.3 points per game while shooting 47.6% from the field – compared with 22.1 points by Robinson at 46.8%.
These efforts culminated in a championship win for Houston’s Rockets against New York Knicks in the 1994 NBA Finals series, led by another rival from college days: Patrick Ewing. After being down 2–1 in the series, John Starks almost won it for New York with a last second three pointer that was blocked by Olajuwon – ensuring victory for Houston in Game 6 and securing himself a Finals MVP award along with it.
In Game 7 he contributed 25 points and 10 rebounds which ultimately defeated the Knicks to become Houston’s first professional sports championship since 1961 when the American Football League title was won by the Oilers. Throughout this series Hakeem outperformed Ewing on all accounts scoring an average of 26.9 versus 18.9 whole shooting 50% compared to 36%.
In recognition of his talents, Hakeem became only player ever to have been awarded MVP (Most Valuable Player), Championship Title, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of The Year awards within one season – making him also the first foreign born player who achieved this feat.
On December 1, 1994, Olajuwon set a triple-double record when he scored 37 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a 113–109 win over the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Rockets’ slow start to the season, and Olajuwon missing eight games due to anemia, they managed to repeat as champions in 1995. This was made possible because of a mid-season trade that saw his former University of Houston “Phi Slama Jama” teammate Clyde Drexler join the team from Portland Trail Blazers.
During the regular season, Olajuwon averaged 27.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.He saved some of his best performances for the playoffs – particularly against David Robinson’s San Antonio Spurs. Outperforming him in all regards (35.3 points on .560 shooting compared to 23.8 and .449), Hakeem capped off this series with 39 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks. When asked about how to ‘solve’ Olajuwon later on, Robinson told LIFE magazine: “Hakeem? You don’t solve Hakeem.”
In addition to this impressive feat of skill and athleticism, they also won every road game that series – culminating in their sweep victory over Orlando Magic led by Shaquille O’Neal during NBA Finals; outperforming him each time around too. For these reasons and more, Olajuwon was named Finals MVP again while averaging 33.0 points on .531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds and 2.81 blocks throughout 1995 playoffs, thereby making himself the only All-Star from Rockets yet again.
The Rockets’ two-year run for the championship ended in 1996 when they were eliminated from the second round of the NBA Playoffs by Western Conference Champions, Seattle SuperSonics. Michael Jordan’s return to the Chicago Bulls in March 1995 had a major influence on their dominance over the next three years (1996–98). The Bulls and Rockets never faced each other in the playoffs. In the 1996–97 season, Charles Barkley was added to their roster and they achieved 57 wins.
However, they lost in six games to the Utah Jazz during Western Conference Finals. Olajuwon’s point production dropped significantly from 26.9 points per game to 16.4 in 1997–98, followed by another loss against the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs five games down. After Drexler retired, Scottie Pippen was acquired in 1998–99 with a 31-19 record due to a lockout-shortened regular season; however, they were defeated again in the first round this time against the Lakers. Following that season, Pippen left for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Toronto Raptors
Houston began to rebuild, bringing in Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis, the 2000 NBA co-Rookie of the Year. On August 2, 2001, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors for draft picks. In his first game with the Raptors, he scored 11 points in 22 minutes of playing time. Olajuwon averaged a career low of 7.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in his last season in the NBA, due to a back injury. He retired as the all-time leader in total blocked shots (3,830) and left the league with an average of 21.8 points on 51% shooting, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks in 1,238 games. The Rockets retired his No. 34 jersey shortly after.
Hakeem Olajuwon – National Team
Before arriving in the US in 1980, Olajuwon had already represented Nigeria at the All-Africa Games. This prevented him from competing for the US men’s national basketball team right away due to FIBA rules prohibiting multiple nationality representation. However, he was naturalized as an American citizen in 1993 and was granted a FIBA exemption just three years later, enabling his participation on Dream Team II at the 1996 Olympics – helping them secure gold. As part of the team, Olajuwon featured in 7 out of 8 games starting two, averaging 5 points and 3.1 rebounds with 8 assists and 6 steals overall.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Personal Life
Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi in 1996 and they have four children. He is also father to Abisola, from a previous relationship with Lita Spencer, whom he met in college. Fluent in English, French, Arabic and the Nigerian languages of Yoruba and Ekiti; Olajuwon wrote his autobiography Living the Dream with co-author Peter Knobler in 1996. During his 18-year NBA career, he earned more than $110 million in salary.
He signed endorsement deals for Etonic Shoes’ signature ‘Dream Shoe’, LA Gear as well as Spalding’s athletic shoe line – a product that retailed at various outlets (e.g. Payless ShoeSource) for just $34.99 – making him one of few high profile athletes to endorse brands outside Nike, Reebok or Adidas etc., so accessible price points could be reached by all socio-economic levels. Olajuwon famously declared: “How can a poor working mother with three boys buy Nikes or Reeboks that cost $120? … She can’t! So kids steal these shoes from stores and from other kids…sometimes even killing for them.”
Hakeem Olajuwon – NBA Legacy
Hakeem Olajuwon was an exceptional basketball player, renowned for his impressive skill on both offense and defense. He had a rare combination of strength and speed that enabled him to guard diverse players effectively. His shot-blocking prowess and ability to steal the ball are legendary; he is the only NBA player to record more than 200 blocks and steals in one season.
On offense, he boasted a deft shooting touch near the basket, nimble footwork in the post, plus spin moves and fakes highlighted by his iconic Dream Shake – all resulting in prolific scoring (21.8 ppg). Moreover, Olajuwon was an above-average offensive rebounder with 3.3 per game average, as well as being adept at dribbling like a perimeter player – even recording one of four NBA quadruple-doubles! In 2022, the league honored him by renaming its Defensive Player of the Year Award after him: The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Post-NBA Life
Hakeem Olajuwon, the iconic Houstonian, has had a long and successful basketball career. He played for 20 years in Houston – first at the University of Houston Cougars and then professionally with the Rockets. His real estate investments have been highly profitable, estimated to be over $100 million from cash-only purchases due to his Islamic beliefs.
When he’s not at home in Jordan studying Islam, he is back in Texas at his ranch near Houston or running his Big Man Camp where he gives younger frontcourt players lessons on playing post. The camp is free of charge and many NBA stars such as Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and LeBron James have sought out Hakeem’s instruction.
In 2008, Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and honored with a sculpture outside the Toyota Center. At 2013 draft day, David Stern bid farewell as commissioner making Olajuwon’s pick from 1984 his last one too marking an official ending to their history together. And in 2016, he joined FIBA Hall of Fame cementing his legacy even further.
Hakeem Olajuwon – Net Worth
Hakeem Olajuwon is a former NBA star who has amassed an impressive net worth of $280 million. He is one of the richest NBA players in history and achieved his wealth through his lucrative basketball career, as well as various business investments. In recent years, Olajuwon has also become a successful real estate investor, further increasing his wealth.
How many times did Hakeem Olajuwon win MVP?
Hakeem Olajuwon is an NBA legend, he was awarded MVP of the league in 1993-94. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP that same season, making him the first player to ever achieve such a feat. His accomplishments have cemented his place as one of the all-time greatest centers in basketball history.
How many awards did Hakeem Olajuwon win?
Hakeem Olajuwon spent a remarkable 18 years in the NBA, playing for both the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. During his 1,238 regular-season games he averaged an impressive 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 2.5 assists per game, earning him 12 All-Star selections throughout his career. He was also awarded two Defensive Player of the Year titles, one MVP award and two Finals MVP awards to accompany his two NBA championships – a truly extraordinary accomplishment!
Does Hakeem Olajuwon have any kids?
Yes, he has five children. The first daughter is from his first marriage with Lita Spencer, who he met in college. The rest of the kids were born to Hakeem and his second wife Dalia Asafi.
