Date of Birth: January 21, 1963
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, popularly known as “The Dream,” is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon moved to the United States to play college basketball at the University of Houston under coach Guy Lewis. He became a dominant force in college basketball, leading the Cougars to three Final Four appearances. Olajuwon was selected as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, where he played the majority of his career. Throughout his illustrious career, Olajuwon was known for his exceptional footwork, shot-blocking ability, and offensive prowess. He led the Rockets to two consecutive NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995 and was named NBA Finals MVP both times. A 12-time NBA All-Star, Olajuwon also earned NBA MVP honors in 1994. In addition to his NBA success, Olajuwon was part of the 1996 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team, known as Dream Team III, which won the gold medal in Atlanta. He retired from professional basketball in 2002 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. Olajuwon is also known for his deep faith, having converted to Islam in 1991. Post-retirement, he has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors and real estate ventures.
5 Interesting Facts about Hakeem Olajuwon
1. Hakeem Olajuwon is the only player in NBA history to record more than 200 blocks and 200 steals in a single season.
2. He was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
3. Olajuwon is fluent in three languages: English, French, and Yoruba.
4. He is one of four players to have recorded a quadruple-double in an NBA game.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon was a standout soccer player before taking up basketball, which contributed to his agility and footwork on the court.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hakeem Olajuwon
1. “I always keep a ball in the car. You never know.”
2. “I’ve now been in this country for 14 years, the American dream is a reality.”
3. “Basketball is in my blood. It is my obligation to try.”
4. “The key to success is to keep growing in all areas of life – mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical.”
5. “When I look at the system here in America, I see a lot of opportunities.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Hakeem Olajuwon is estimated to be around $200 million.
Children
Hakeem Olajuwon has four children: two daughters, Rahmah and Aisha, and two sons, Abdullah and Abdul.
Relevant Links
1. [Hakeem Olajuwon – NBA Hall of Fame](https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/hakeem-olajuwon/
3. [Hakeem Olajuwon – ESPN Profile](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/105/hakeem-olajuwon
4. [Hakeem Olajuwon – NBA Profile](https://www.nba.com/player/112/hakeem-olajuwon
5. [Hakeem Olajuwon – Biography](https://www.biography.com/athlete/hakeem-olajuwon
