Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon only started playing basketball at 15 in Lagos. He became the first pick in the NBA draft, a two-time NBA champion and one of the greatest centres in history.
Quick facts
| Full name | Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 January 1963, Lagos |
| Nickname | The Dream |
| Position | Centre |
| Teams | University of Houston; Houston Rockets (1984–2001); Toronto Raptors (2001–2002) |
| Big honours | 2× NBA champion (1994, 1995); NBA MVP (1994); 2× Finals MVP; Hall of Fame (2008) |
Lagos beginnings
Olajuwon grew up in Lagos and played football and handball as a boy. He picked up basketball at 15, and his height, footwork and timing quickly stood out. In 1980 he moved to the United States to play for the University of Houston.
Number one pick
In the 1984 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets picked Olajuwon first overall — ahead of Michael Jordan, who went third. He became known for the “Dream Shake”, a set of fakes and spins near the basket that defenders could not stop.
Champion
In 1994, Olajuwon won the NBA Most Valuable Player award, Defensive Player of the Year and the NBA title with Houston, and was Finals MVP. He led the Rockets to a second straight championship in 1995, again as Finals MVP. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots.
