Hakeem Olajuwon came to America with a dream and an extraordinary desire to succeed ability at the game of basketball.
Blessed with strong hands, great balance, and flawless footwork – gained from his days playing soccer and team handball as a boy – “Hakeem the Dream” went from the streets of Lagos, Nigeria to becoming one of the NBA’s greatest-ever players, a perennial winner, and a Hall of Famer.
This is the story of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon.
Who is Hakeem Olajuwon?
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, nicknamed ‘The Dream’ is a Nigerian-American basketball legend. During his illustrious 18-year NBA career (1984-2002), he played center for the Houston Rockets and briefly for the Toronto Raptors.
Olajuwon led the Rockets to consecutive NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers and players in basketball history.
Early life & Nigerian roots
Hakeem Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963, to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, humble Yoruba entrepreneurs who owned a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria.
Olajuwon’s parents instilled in him the values of hard work and discipline, raising him as the third of eight children. They shaped his remarkable career by teaching him the importance of diligence and perseverance.
Growing up in Lagos, Olajuwon has spoken against misconceptions about his childhood, emphasizing the city’s cosmopolitan nature:
“Lagos is a very cosmopolitan city… There are many ethnic groups. I grew up in an environment at schools where there were all different types of people.”
Yoruba Excellence.
How Hakeem Olajuwon came to America.
Hakeem Olajuwon is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was the best at his prime.
He definitely deserves a biopic movie. pic.twitter.com/oq2E1zKPBi
— Arẹwà Akinkanju (@leoleoqueen) January 22, 2025
Before discovering basketball, Hakeem Olajuwon’s athletic talents were focused on soccer, where he excelled as a goalkeeper. This experience would later prove instrumental in developing the footwork, agility, and shot-blocking ability that would become hallmarks of his basketball career.
Olajuwon’s introduction to basketball came relatively late, at the age of 15, while attending the Muslim Teachers College in Lagos. He recalls the sport’s instant appeal:
“Basketball is something that is so unique. That immediately I pick up the game and, you know, realize that this is the life for me. All the other sports just become obsolete.”
Despite initial struggles – including a humorous anecdote about attempting to dunk with the aid of a chair – Olajuwon’s passion for the game was ignited, setting him on a path to becoming one of the all-time greats.
Hakeem Olajuwon: Basketball Career
Hakeem Olajuwon’s journey to basketball stardom began when he emigrated from Nigeria to play for the University of Houston under Coach Guy Lewis. Initially, Olajuwon was not highly recruited, but a recommendation from a friend of Lewis led to a visit and eventually a spot on the team.
As a freshman, Olajuwon made a significant impact, averaging 8.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
Olajuwon’s impressive play earned him the nickname “The Dream,” and he became a key figure in the University of Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama” era, alongside teammates like Clyde Drexler.
During his sophomore and junior years, the Cougars advanced to consecutive NCAA championship games, where they narrowly lost to North Carolina State and Georgetown.
After his junior year, the Houston Rockets drafted Hakeem Olajuwon first overall in the 1984 NBA draft. In his autobiography, Olajuwon reveals that the Rockets considered a draft-day trade that would have sent Ralph Sampson to another team in exchange for Clyde Drexler and the number two pick.
If the trade had gone through, the Rockets might have selected Michael Jordan with the number two pick, potentially altering NBA history.
Houston Rockets & NBA STORY
The Houston Rockets’ fortunes changed dramatically with Hakeem Olajuwon’s arrival. In his rookie season (1984-85), the team’s win-loss record improved from 29-53 to 48-34. Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.68 blocks per game, finishing as the runner-up to Michael Jordan for Rookie of the Year.
Over the next few seasons, Olajuwon continued to dominate, leading the Rockets to the Western Conference Finals in 1986. Although they lost to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Olajuwon’s impressive performance earned him a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
The Rockets’ championship drought ended in 1994, with Olajuwon leading the team to their first NBA title. He was named NBA Finals MVP after outplaying Patrick Ewing in the series. Olajuwon’s impressive stats – 26.9 points, 50% shooting, 10 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game – cemented his status as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
The Rockets repeated as champions in 1995, with Olajuwon again dominating the NBA Finals. He outscored Shaquille O’Neal in every game, averaging 33 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.81 blocks per game. Olajuwon’s impressive performance earned him his second consecutive NBA Finals MVP award.
After the Rockets’ championship run, Olajuwon continued to play at an elite level, earning multiple All-NBA selections. However, the team’s fortunes began to decline, and Olajuwon was eventually traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2001. He played one season with the Raptors before retiring due to a back injury.
Olajuwon’s legacy is undeniable. He retired as the all-time leader in blocked shots (3,830) and was a 12-time All-Star. His No. 34 jersey was retired by the Rockets, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
Did Hakeem Olajuwon play for Nigeria?
Before arriving in the US, Hakeem Olajuwon represented Nigeria in the 1980 All-Africa Games as a member of the country’s junior team. This early international experience later created eligibility issues when he attempted to join the US men’s national basketball team.
According to FIBA rules, players are not allowed to represent more than one country in international competition, and a three-year waiting period is required for any nationality change. As a result, Olajuwon was ineligible for the iconic “Dream Team” in 1992, as he had not yet become a US citizen.
Olajuwon obtained American citizenship on April 2, 1993. He received a FIBA exemption and joined Dream Team III for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The team, which included Shaquille O’Neal and David Robinson, went on to win the gold medal. Olajuwon contributed to the team’s success, playing in seven games, starting two, and averaging 5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.
Hakeem Olajuwon: Achievements
Hakeem Olajuwon’s basketball career garnered numerous accolades. He captured two NBA championships (1994, and 1995) and earned NBA Finals MVP honors both times. In 1994, he received the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
Olajuwon earned two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (1993, 1994) and secured spots on five NBA All-Defensive First Teams and four NBA All-Defensive Second Teams. He earned 12 NBA All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA First Team six times, All-NBA Second Team three times, and All-NBA Third Team three times.
Upon retiring, Olajuwon held the record for most career blocks with 3,830. He also ranked in the top eleven all-time in points, rebounds, and steals – an unmatched feat in NBA history. The NBA recognized his impressive career by including him on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and naming him one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
Olajuwon’s legacy extends beyond the NBA. He secured an Olympic gold medal with the US men’s basketball team in 1996. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2008, and the FIBA Hall of Fame enshrined him in 2016.
Family & Personal life
Hakeem Olajuwon’s personal life is marked by a strong commitment to his family and faith. He married Dalia Asafi in 1996, and they have four children together.
Olajuwon also has an older daughter, Abisola, from a previous relationship with Lita Spencer, whom he met in college. Abisola followed in her father’s footsteps, playing in the McDonald’s All-American Game and later in the WNBA.
As a devout Muslim, Olajuwon’s faith played a significant role in his life. Despite the challenges of observing Ramadan during the NBA season, Olajuwon’s commitment to his faith never wavered. He often found that his spiritual discipline during Ramadan actually improved his game.
In honor of Ramadan, here’s Hakeem Olajuwon frying the league during his fast: pic.twitter.com/18kulWu3O7
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 1, 2025
In 1995, he was named NBA Player of the Month in February, a month that coincided with Ramadan. Olajuwon’s dedication to his faith and family is a testament to his character and values.
Hakeem Olajuwon networth
Throughout his illustrious 18-year NBA career, Hakeem Olajuwon accumulated over $110 million in salary. In addition to his on-court earnings, Olajuwon secured several lucrative endorsement deals. Notably, he partnered with Etonic Shoes after his rookie season, signing a five-year agreement worth $2.5 million to launch his signature “Dream Shoe” line.
Later in his career, Olajuwon became the face of LA Gear and Spalding’s athletic shoe lines. Interestingly, he endorsed a Spalding sneaker that retailed for $34.99 at various outlets, including Payless ShoeSource. This move made him one of the few high-profile athletes to partner with a lesser-known brand, rather than industry giants like Nike, Reebok, or Adidas.
