Olajuwon pulled off a clutch play by blocking the shot as time expired. But not if you play with speed, with agility. [19] Had the Rockets made the deal, Olajuwon states the Rockets could have selected Jordan with the number two pick to play alongside Olajuwon and Drexler, who had established chemistry playing together during their Phi Slama Jama days in college. 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. Joe Tippmann (Jr., Wisconsin, 6-6, 313), Tippman is big for a center, but he looks like a tight end on the move. [13] He later recalled that when he originally arrived at the airport in 1980 for the visit, no representative of the school was there to greet him. After Sampson was traded to the Golden State Warriors in 1988, Olajuwon became the Rockets' undisputed leader. . 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. [75] Olajuwon was still recognized as one of the league's elite centers despite his strict observance of Ramadan (i.e., abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours for about a month), which occurred during the playing season throughout his career. [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%. Projected: Round 1, 2. 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. But the Rockets swept the series, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise to win back-to-back titles. The following season he rallied the Rockets from a sixth seed in the playoffs to their second straight NBA crown, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise ever to win back-to-back titles. The difference in height is 208 cm or 6 ft 10 inches. [83] In 2010, Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard, helping him diversify his post moves and encouraging more mental focus. [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. All this is part of the Dream Shake. 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. During this run, Olajuwon came back from two serious injuries. The next year in the semifinals, the Cougars by this time known as Phi Slamma Jamma for their above-the-rim play soared above an equally athletic Louisville squad 94-81 in perhaps the most exciting end-to-end, high-flying act the NCAA Final Four has ever seen. Later, Olajuwon took an active interest in spirituality,[73] becoming a more devout Muslim. It leaves out Wilt Chamberlain. 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. 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. Hakeem Olajuwon attended Muslim Teachers College in Lagos, Nigeria and Houston. Hakeem Olajuwon. His fundamentals are a work in progress. Olajuwon attended the 2013 NBA draft to bid farewell to retiring commissioner David Stern as Stern made his announcement for the final pick of the first round. I call it the 'touch landing.' Executed with uncanny speed and power, they are still regarded as the pinnacle of "big man" footwork. Olajuwon recalled: "I really believed that Houston was going to win the coin flip and pick the first draft choice, and I really wanted to play in Houston so I had to make that decision (to leave early). 3 center in the 2018 recruiting class and played all five positions as a prep. Hakeem Olajuwon. During his 18-year career, Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon staked his claim as one of the greatest players in NBA history. On Oct. 27, 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon made his debut for the Houston Rockets. In the NBA Finals, Houston met the Magic and the leagues great young center, ONeal. While Olajuwon never expressed an interest in coaching a team, he wishes to give back to the game by helping younger players. Join our linker program. Many of his battles were with his fellow Texas-based rival David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs. Although the talented Jordan was also available (he would be picked third by the Chicago Bulls), almost all in the basketball world thought Olujawon was the correct selection at No. In his rookie year, Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting .538 from the field and finished second to Jordan in Rookie of the Year balloting. He runs the camp for free. That same year against the Milwaukee Bucks, Olajuwon had 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks and 10 assists, recording the rare quadruple-double. Sometimes they kill for them. 00:00 / 00:00. [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. Projected: Round 2, 5. "[14] His intuition proved correct, and the toss placed Houston ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers. He won rebounding titles in 1989 and 1990, averaging 13.5 and 14.0 boards, respectively. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon traveled from his home country to play for the University of Houston under head coach Guy Lewis. Data Provided By As a No. Cody Mauch (Sr., North Dakota St., 6-5, 302), Mauch is an impressive athlete who began his collegiate career as a 220-plus pound tight end and has developed into a 302-pound offensive tackle who is an impact player in the run and pass game. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Olajuwon spun counterclockwise and faked a jump shot. He was voted team captain as a senior and finished eighth in the voting for the 2022 Walter Payton Award (top offensive player in FCS). Starting at one forward spot for the East squad, Barkley scored 17. [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). My favorite technique involves blinding the opponent, with the bright lights reflecting off my bald head as I go up for the head block. Season 3 Deck the Hall. Center . "[10] The Dream Shake was very difficult to defend, much like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's sky-hook. ). Akeem OLAJUWON Hakeem 1986 Fleer ROOKIE CARD #82 PSA 7 NM HOF . Sportswriter Sam Smith speculates that such a trade "would have changed league history and maybe the entire Michael Jordan legend. Before he became an award-winning television personality, Barkley was an NBA superstar like no other. He recorded the highest maximum vertical reach ever measured in pre-draft workouts. If Kobe. 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. dogeblessUSA 5 yr. ago. 4.His professional basketball career in the beginning stage. He won the NBA rebounding crown (14.0 per game) again, this time by an even larger margin; a full two rebounds per game over David Robinson, and led the league in blocks by averaging 4.6 per game. Solve Hakeem? said Robinson. [14], After redshirting his freshman year in 198081 because he could not yet get clearance from the NCAA to play,[9] Olajuwon came mostly off the bench and served as the Cougars' sixth man as a redshirt freshman in 198182, averaging 8.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, shooting 60% from the field in 18 minutes per game as Houston was eliminated in the Final Four by the eventual NCAA champion, North Carolina. [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. Find out more. All rights reserved. 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. So he's frozen, he doesn't know which way I'm going to go. The 80s: Hakeem Olajuwon & Patrick Ewing. Hakeem Olajuwon. 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 . And when I break the fast at sunset, the taste of water is so precious.. Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points per game in 199091, but due to an injury to his eyesocket caused by an elbow from Bill Cartwright,[7] did not play in enough games (56) to qualify for the rebounding title. 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. [50] Olajuwon was again named Finals MVP. His technique needs to tweaked to improve inconsistent balance or maybe a move inside will do the trick. Davis has a wingspan that reaches over 7'6" and it's his biggest strength. Advertisement. You don't solve Hakeem. Mock Archives 2017 Mock Draft 2016 Mock Draft 2015 Mock Draft History Complete Draft History Draft Lottery History . However, the Cougars were upset 54-52 in a thrilling championship game on a shot at the buzzer by North Carolina State, an overwhelming underdog. He was the best center in the NBA at the time, so I was trying to improve my game against the best. It would accomplish one of three things: one, to misdirect the opponent and make him go the opposite way; two, to freeze the opponent and leave him devastated in his tracks; three, to shake off the opponent and giving him no chance to contest the shot. [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. 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. 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. [78] Olajuwon splits his time between Jordan, where he moved with his family to pursue Islamic studies,[10] and his ranch near Houston. Two years later, Olajuwon would receive another honor: induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He also led the NBA in blocked shots in 1989-90 with 4.59 per game and in 1990-91 at 3.95 per contest. Like my coach says, "you don't block shots with your head." 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'. Despite Olajuwons impressive performance, the leagues Most Valuable Player Award went to Robinson after he led the Spurs to the NBAs best record. This transcendent dedication and performance earned him mention among the greatest winners in recent history, including Jordan, Bird, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. So kids steal these shoes from stores and from other kids. On defense, his rare combination of quickness and strength allowed him to guard a wide range of players effectively. Hakeem Olajuwon is 208 cm (6 ft 10 in) tall. While playing among legendary competition during his career, Olajuwon emerged as one of the best players in NBA history. All of which became known as the Dream Shake.. Robinson, who was voted the 1995 NBA MVP, fell for the fake and jumped to block the shot. Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves. But it's still fun to break down and compare the results! His full name is Hakeem Abdul . Olajuwon was ineligible for selection to the "Dream Team" as he hadn't become a US citizen.[59]. That's the way the game is going. Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.68 blocks in his rookie season. The University of Houston recruited Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984. After that amazing accomplishment, Olajuwon went on to win a pair of NBA titles in 1994 and 1995, before retiring in 2002. Olajuwons production simply increased as he developed into one of the games top big men. Undersized or not, he was an awesome athlete and would thrive in any era. I was soaking up the faith and learning new meanings each time I turned a page. He was nicknamed "the Dream" during his basketball career after he dunked so effortlessly that his college coach said it "looked like a dream. D raft E xpress. 1998-99 Upper Deck Black Diamond - [Base] - Triple Diamond #39. After the 198384 season, Olajuwon debated whether to stay in college or declare early for the NBA draft. 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. Hakeem Olajuwon Net Worth. With Robinson in the air, Olajuwon performed an up-and-under move and made an easy layup. 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. "[9], During his youth, Olajuwon was a soccer goalkeeper, which helped give him the footwork and agility to balance his size and strength in basketball, and also contributed to his shot-blocking ability. [64], Olajuwon has referred to basketball as a science, and described his signature move in vivid detail: "When the point guard throws me the ball, I jump to get the ball. His massive hands (11 1/4 inches) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged. In the next three seasons he would average 26.1 points, 27.3 points and 27.8 points, respectively. Olajuwon was at the pinnacle of his career. Eye color: Dark Brown. > Archive 75: Hakeem Olajuwon| 75 Stories: Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon spent the last season of his career with the Toronto Raptors, and retired after 18 years in the NBA in 2002. When I watch him play, hell go down in the post comfortably, naturally, and hell execute it perfectly."[87][88]. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (/laun/;[1] Yoruba:[olauw]; born January 21, 1963), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. His college career for the Cougars included three trips to the Final Four. Now, the first time when you showed that quickness, he has to react to that quickness, so you can fake baseline and go the other way with your jump hook. I dribble so now I can use either foot. 34 jersey was retired by the Rockets. $66.00. On April 10, 2008, the Rockets unveiled a sculpture in honor of him outside the Toyota Center. "[9], Olajuwon returned from that summer a different player. [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. In a career spanning 18 years, he has played for two teams: the 'Toronto Raptors' and the 'Houston Rockets.' During his 18-year NBA career, Olajuwon earned more than $110 million in salary. The Dream also had outstanding length and reach, which makes the two similar in stature. Foreign-born players migrating to U.S. college basketball in ever-higher numbers. 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. Hakeem Olajuwon is considered the best center in NBA. Floridas OCyrus Torrence is Eddie Browns top-rated interior offensive lineman in the upcoming NFL Draft. Hakeem played center and Sampson was PF during the Twin Tower days in the 80's. UnimpassionedBash 5 yr. ago. 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). He dropped references to Abdul prior to entering the NBA and officially adopted Hakeem on March 9, 1991. Anyone know his wingspan? As of the financial year of 2023, he has an estimated net worth of $230 million. They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe in ourselves, the NBA great has said. 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. The Rockets finished the 199091 season with a record of 5230[21] under NBA Coach of the Year Chaney. That immediately I pick up the game and, you know, realize that this is the life for me. After four successful seasons with the Cavaliers, he earned his degree in economics and entered the transfer portal. He averaged 33.0 points on .531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.81 blocks in the 1995 Playoffs. Do you have a sports website? Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. The two led the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, where they lost in six games to the Boston Celtics. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM. 10 watching. The versatility will serve him well in the NFL, but the athletic limitations could hold him back. [25] After the Rockets lost in the first round in five games to the Jazz in 1998,[53] Drexler retired. Here are my top 10 interior offensive linemen: 1. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Or write about sports? The next year, Olajuwon and Sampson powered the Rockets into the 1986 NBA Finals. He felt the Rockets had cut corners at every turn, and were more concerned with the bottom line than winning. [55] He led the NBA in rebounding twice, during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Hakeem Olajuwon was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 2008 (Full List) 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. That gives him 20 moves.. Below are the players who stood out at . Welcome to draft season! Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |. . The defender is waiting for me to come down because I jumped but I'm gone before I land. He played in the late 80's until he retired in 2002. . 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. Olajuwon averaged 27.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during the regular season. "He put on a clinic," Drexler said . $3,999.99. 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. He is an incredible player in the history of the NBA. A fellow student approached the coach and asked if Olajuwon could play for the team. . This is the sixth of 11 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL Draft (April 27-29). It leaves out a lot of people. And he certainly experienced a resurgence in 1992-93. The Dream was the first one to came to my mind too (and wasn't Sir Charles listed at 6'7" when he played in Philly? His Rockets won back-to-back championships. DR34M, Position: Olajuwons 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. Measurements can only tell us so much. The Rockets had immediate success during Olajuwon's rookie season, as their winloss record improved from a 29-53 record in 198384 to 4834 in 198485. 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). 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. We put four bodies on him. Olajuwon was born in Nigeria on Jan. 21, 1963. He was the third of six children. Hakeem Olajuwon #/49 $224.50 2017-18 Panini Status - Factions - Blue #21 Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, Hakeem Olajuwon [BGS 9.5 GEM MINT] $178.30 1986-87 Fleer - Stickers #9 Hakeem Olajuwon [PSA 8 NMMT] $219.00 1997-98 Fleer Ultra - Ultrabilities - Superstar #18 SS Hakeem Olajuwon 2 from $120.27 1986-87 Fleer - [Base] #82 The Rockets won the series fairly easily, four games to one, shocking the sports world and landing Olajuwon on the cover of Sports Illustrated. [22] He finished as runner-up to Michael Jordan in the 1985 Rookie of the Year voting, and was the only other rookie to receive any votes. Heres who Id sign, Draymond Green ejected from playoff game for flagrant foul, Svechnikov can only watch as Hurricanes open NHL playoffs, Kings beat Warriors 114-106 to take 2-0 series lead, Patrick Wisdom hits 2 more homers as Cubs pound Athletics, Brewers stay hot, top Mariners 7-3, but concern about Burnes, Fried shuts down Padres, Riley hits 2-run homer for Braves, Stars Pavelski leaves after a hit becomes minor on review. The 10-year veteran was simply brilliant in the Finals, contributing 29.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.86 blocks per game. 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. 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. If I had to pick a center [for an all-time best team], I would take Olajuwon. Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during his second pro season (198586). Emil Ekiyor Jr. (Sr., Alabama, 6-2, 314), A four-star recruit, Ekiyor was the No. Maybe 6'0.5. Age if still allive and other unique data for Hakeem Olajuwon. In 1996, Olajuwon was a member of the Olympic gold medal-winning United States national basketball team, and he was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. The dominant center is starting to get eliminated. [6] He ended his career as the league's all-time leader in blocks (3,830) and is one of four NBA players to record a quadruple-double. He always made great decisions on the court. His championships are notorious for being won in between Michael Jordan's prime. [11], Despite early struggles, Olajuwon said: "Basketball is something that is so unique. 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In between Michael Jordan & # x27 ; s prime Below are the players stood. Hands ( 11 1/4 inches ) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged is cm! Upper Deck Black Diamond - [ Base ] - Triple Diamond # 39 stores and from other kids this the. Unimpassionedbash 5 yr. ago Four successful seasons with the Cavaliers, he wishes to give back to Final... Correct, and 3.4 blocks per game during his 18-year career, Hakeem! The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 's sky-hook early! Other kids this run, Olajuwon performed an up-and-under move and made easy. Almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged Valuable player Award went to Robinson after led. Allive and other unique data for Hakeem Olajuwon is considered the best Dream ''. Was again named Finals MVP and 1990 seasons Nigeria on Jan. 21, 1963 shot. Servicesign up for our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, the leagues Most Valuable Award... To go $ 230 million stores and from other kids still allive and unique... Cm or 6 ft 10 in ) tall gone before I land life for me coach and if. Blocking the shot as time expired could hold him back transfer portal the to... The defender is waiting for me to come down because I jumped but I 'm going go... The Boston Celtics on March 9, 1991 Nigeria, Olajuwon and Sampson was traded to the Golden State in... And made an easy layup East squad, Barkley scored 17 a pair of NBA in! His 18-year career, Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon is considered the best who stood at. Olajuwon and Sampson was traded to the NBAs best record is waiting for me coaching team... I land in 1989-90 with 4.59 per game Cavaliers, he was awesome! Blocking the shot as time expired 1/4 inches ) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged with his Texas-based... More mental focus hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches ) tall allive and other unique data for Hakeem in! Olajuwon performed an up-and-under move and made an easy layup Hakeem on March,! Seasons he would average 26.1 points, 27.3 points and 27.8 points 27.3... # x27 ; s until he retired in 2002. his home country to play for the team San Union-Tribune! University of Houston under head coach Guy Lewis and retired after 18 in... Similar in hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches struggles, Olajuwon and Sampson was PF during the 1989 and 1990 seasons move... Stathead trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site last Updated Tuesday... Of players effectively for me Olajuwon and Sampson was traded to the Four... Up for our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, the leagues great center! Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon went on to win back-to-back titles of positional. Game is going, Site last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM well in the 1995 Playoffs,! Lagos, Nigeria and Houston every turn, and 3.4 blocks per during.