Hakeem Olajuwon Retweeted. Olajuwon can speak French, Arabic as well as his native language, Yoruba. The 1994 NBA regular season Most Valuable Player recorded 26,946 points and 13,748 rebounds during his career.In 2008, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2016, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. Olajuwon won two NBA championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995 and was named the NBA Finals MVP in both years. Although his personal statistics remained impressive, Olajuwon struggled with injuries and an overall weak team that failed to produce playoff wins. Pond called various basketball contacts in the United States and arranged for Olajuwon to visit six schools, including St. John's University and the University of Houston.Olajuwon arrived in New York City in October 1980. For the 1988-89 season, Olajuwon was the undisputed leader of the Rockets, finishing as the league leader in rebounds with 13.5 per game. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808952&cache=false" 100 Paul Buck Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217, United States. Submit a correction suggestion and help us fix it. The closest we've got is VR, Siri, and CrossFit. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets lays up a shot during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 3, 2000 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. Olajuwon also has a . Moreover, Hakeem also played with the Toronto Raptors for a year before retiring due to back injuries. Olajuwon, paired with Ralph Sampson in the front court, had a stellar rookie year, averaging 20.6 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, and finished second to Jordan in the Rookie of Year voting. ""My background playing soccer gave me a natural advantage over many of the American-born players. Olajuwon got married to Dalia Asafi in August 1996. After retirement, in the 2006 NBA offseason, Olajuwon opened his first Big Man Camp, where he teaches young frontcourt players the finer points of playing in the post. From his very childhood, he was taught the benefits of hard work and discipline, which helped him throughout his career. ""I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (born January 21, 1963) is a retired Nigerian-American basketball player who played basketball in the NBA between 1984 and 2002. Here are some notable quick facts that you should know about the retired Nigerian -American basketball legend. He and Shaquille ONeal are known to be the NBAs best centers of all time. "You want her to do so well, and win so bad. He led the Rockets to their first NBA Championship win, and also emerged as the only player to have won the league MVP, Finals MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year awards and the NBA Championship in one season. In 1993, he also adopted American citizenship. Abdullah Olajuwon's early journey to basketball. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808944&cache=false" Hakeem Olajuwon is a retired Nigerian-American professional basketball player who has a net worth of $300 million. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808947&cache=false" The next several years of Olajuwon's career proved frustrating. On March 9, 1991, he altered his name from Akeem to the more conventional spelling of Hakeem. His undefendable fade-away jump shot, combined with his powerful dunks and tenacious defense under the basket proved a nearly unstoppable combination. ""All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. Guard Trajan Langdon of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over center Hakeem Olajuwon of the Toronto Raptors during the NBA game at Gund Arena (now Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse) in Cleveland, Ohio. 11445 Compaq Center West Dr, Houston, Texas, United States. He is ranked at 13 by the SLAM Magazines 2009 issue on 50 greatest players of all time. var s = d.createElement('script'); s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true; Wik Sanaya Irani's Biography - Husband Mohit Sehgal, N What is Sara Martins doing now? Kid of HOF beast @thedr34m. In the 1984 NBA draft, Olajuwon was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 20, 2000 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808936&cache=false" 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801, United States. He was the third of six children born to Salim and Abike Olajuwon, middle-class Muslims who owned a thriving cement business in Lagos. Olajuwon prides his parents as devoted people who made sure they instilled core values such as respect, hard work and honesty in their children. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808939&cache=false" He was better known by his game name "The Dream," during his basketball journey. Her spouse Hakeem Olajuwon is a Nigerian-born professional basketball player. 65200. As a young boy, Olajuwon was interested in sports, but not basketball at first. . Terms of Use. My dad always told me that basketball was where it is I had the size and I had the strength, and he just saw the potential, the younger Olajuwon said. Besides this, there is no information concerning her early life and family background. Shocked by the hustle and bustle of the airport and New York's cold weather, he cancelled his trip to St. John's and flew straight to Houston, where he asked a taxi driver to take him to the "University of Austin." "You feel goose bumps," Hakeem Olajuwon said. "I tried out for a soccer team, and I made it. Olajuwon's run of success with the Rockets ended when the team was eliminated in the second round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs. He is the oldest son of former Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon, an NBA Hall of Famer who was a 12-time all-star and the 1993-1994 NBA Most Valuable Player. I saw the passion, they started playing some games.". Hakeem had a relationship with Lita Spencer, with whom he has an older daughter, Abisola. The following season the Rockets, who were plagued by injuries throughout the regular season, surprised many by returning to the NBA finals, this time facing center Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic. Not to mention, Hakeem is the only player in NBA history to retire in the top ten for all four categories. For her final season, Abi Olajuwon switched her jersey to No. However, there is no information about her exact date and place of birth. He is also one of the only four players in NBA history to have scored a quadruple-double. When he visited the University of Houston, he was chosen to play for the university team and played for three years with them from 1981 to 1984. After turning down a $13 million deal with the Rockets, Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2001. By the end of the 1991-92 season, Olajuwon was demanding that Houston management trade him. . Facing star center Ewing and the New York Knicks in the NBA finals, Olajuwon won his first NBA title, defeating the Knicks in seven games. His parents owned a cement business. Hakeem Olajuwon was born on 21 January 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria into a middle-class Yaruba family, and is a popular former basketball player. He led the Cougars to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship game, but Houston lost again, this time to the Georgetown Hoyas, led by Patrick Ewing. Olajuwon is fluent in English, French, Arabic, and the Nigerian languages of Yoruba and Ekiti. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808937&cache=false" He is married to Dalia Asafi and has two daughters with her. Due to his enormously successful performances in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons, Olajuwon earned a reputation as one of the top centers in NBA history. Besides, Daila is the second wife of Hakeem. The star of the Houston Rockets chronicles the cross-cultural journey from his Nigerian childhood to the heights of fame with the NBA, discussing his life on and off the court, rivalry with other players, confrontations with owners and referees, and religious faith. Considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Olajuwon is the first non-American to be an All-Star and an NBA MVP. Over there, everyone played soccer," he said of Jordan. Abi Olajuwon (@abiolajuwon34) Instagram photos and videos abiolajuwon34 Verified Follow 547 posts 1,879 followers 1,747 following Abi Olajuwon she/her Assistant Coach for the @connecticutsun. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets circa 2000 at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. 6 Championship Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, United States. The wife of Hakeem Olajuwon, Dalia Asafis was born in 1968 in Nigeria. "There is no dating process, no boyfriends and girlfriends in Islam," Olajuwon said in a statement Monday. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. So this is my second home. In fact, the member of the historic Phi Slamma Jama-era at the University of Houston made a. Hakeem Olajuwon is a former Nigerian-American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1984 to 2002, representing the teams, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors. Abdullah is Hakeem's eldest son. Moreover, many families and friends of Dalia and Hakeem attended their marriage ceremony. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808948&cache=false" For the first time in Oklahoma center Abi Olajuwon's four years with the Sooners, Hakeem Olajuwon watched his daughter play from the stands Sunday in Oklahoma's 73-66 loss to Stanford in the national semifinals. He led the Rockets to the 1994 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, winning the title in seven games to bring Houston its first professional sports championship in over 30 years. He owns parking garages, apartments complexes, commercial buildings and single-family homes. (The star of the Houston Rockets chronicles the cross-cult). His journey from Nigeria to America was based on a recommendation for his talents in basketball. Olajuwon did not play basketball until late 1978 when, at the age of fifteen, he joined the school's basketball team coached by Ganiyu Otenigbade, who taught him to play the center position.Richard Mills, a United States coach who was head of the Nigerian National Sports Coaching Institute, spotted Olajuwon playing in a pick-up game in Lagos and invited him to play with the Nigerian National Team. Dalia Asafi married Hakeem when she was just 18 years old even though he was already 33. For her. He earned this hefty sum of money as a professional basketball player from his career. In fact, the member of the historic Phi Slamma Jama-era at the University of Houston made a deal with his sons Abdullah and Abdul. Also, he belongs to the ethnic group the African. This is just one of these examples. How Much is Schae Harrison Net Worth? He was also a 12-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. var p = 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? In both his sophomore and junior years, Olajuwon helped lead the Cougars to consecutive NCAA championship games. His parents Salim and Abike Olajuwon were cement business owners and had eight children together. Olajuwon has an 8-year-old daughter, Abisola, from a previous relationship. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon is the third of eight children born on January 21, 1963, to Salim Olajuwon and Abike Olajuwon. Memorabilia in Baybrook Mall hosts a Hall of Fame afternoon with Hall of Famers Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon ( taking pictures with fans and signing autographs. "I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention. Foregoing his final year of college eligibility, Olajuwon was selected as the number one overall pick of the 1984 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. As a teenager and child, he played soccer football, and it was not until 17, that he played basketball. Then the marriage is arranged.". src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808953&cache=false" { Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets moves the ball against Detlef Schrempf of the Portland Trail Blazers during the game on January 18, 2000 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON Following the Islamic custom of prearranged marriages, Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon and 18-year-old Dalia Asafi were wed last week in a traditional ceremony. 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Hakeem Olajuwon is a former Nigerian-American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1984 to 2002, representing the teams, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors. 5. In 1996, Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi. Prabook is a registered trademark of World Biographical Encyclopedia, Inc. src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808955&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808936&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808939&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2809132&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808956&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808957&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808958&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808959&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808960&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808961&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808962&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808963&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808964&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808965&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808942&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808943&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808944&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808945&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808946&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808947&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808948&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808950&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808952&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808953&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808954&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808937&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", src="/web/img/loading.gif" data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808938&cache=false" alt="Other photo of Hakeem Olajuwon" class="gallery__img" height="167", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808955&cache=false" She was just 18 years old at the time of her wedding. Since Dalia is known because of her husbands name and fame, there are no details about her profession. He was associated with Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors from 1984 to 2002 and played in the position center. Born: January 21, 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria ng College: Houston High School: Muslim Teachers College in Lagos, Nigeria The driver figured that Olajuwon meant the University of Houston, and when Olajuwon arrived on campus, the coaching staff immediately knew that they had struck gold. () (). At the end of the season Olajuwon's contract expired, and Houston management decided to free themselves of Olajuwon's hefty salary and traded their premiere center to the Toronto Raptors. Physical Characteristics: During his career, Hakeem has played for. Price also said Olajuwon has always had raw skill, and been coachable from the moment he got to Clements. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, originally Akeem Olajuwon, is a former professional basketball player from Nigeria. "Dalia may be 18 in terms of age, but because of her background, beliefs and religious understanding, she, like many other Islamic young women, possesses a maturity, knowledge and wisdom beyond her years.". Hakeem Olajuwon played in the NBA for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors, the former of which he led to back-to-back NBA championships in the mid-90s. In the 1987/88 season, Ralph Sampsons knee injury which ended his career prematurely started. His workout with Malone helped him a lot. Olajuwon said he's usually back in the United States for the summer, when the Sooners aren't playing. It was around this time he earned the nickname "The Dream" due to his effortless dunking. In this. Selected to twelve NBA All Star games, Olajuwon holds the NBA record for blocked shots (3,830) and is the only player to record more than 3,000 blocked shots and 2,000 steals in a career. Abi Olajuwon, Aisha Olajuwon, Rahmah Olajuwon: Parents: Salim Olajuwon, Abike Olajuwon: Siblings: Akinola Olajuwon, Afis Olajuwon, Tajudeen Olajuwon, Yemi Kaka . Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Hakeem specializes in buying properties that are ripe for development via public improvements like stadiums or train stops. d.getElementById("contentad428986").appendChild(s); Mills then selected the seventeen-year-old Olajuwon for the Nigerian Junior National Team and, just two years after he began playing basketball, Olajuwon starred in the All-Africa games in Luanda, Angola. The 1996 Summer Olympics gold medalist, Hakeem Olajuwon, was born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria. Olajuwon prides his parents as devoted people who made sure they . There he played only one season before retiring in 2002. I want to go in and do something.". Likewise, he guided Houston Rockets to NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. His name still exists in the history of the NBA as one of the 50 greatest players. He has led the Rockets to the NBA first team in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994 and 1997. Call. Olajuwon averaged 27.8 points and 10.8 rebounds during the season, and in the game that clinched the series, recorded 39 points and 17 rebounds. Encyclopedia of Ethnicity and Sports in the United States, The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy. Despite the fasting during the Ramadan period, Hakeem still produced some of his best performances during those periods. Olajuwon dominated at both ends of the floor, and the Rockets took the seven-game series in four games. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. 600 West Amelia Street Orlando, Florida, United States. Posting a season average of 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game, Olajuwon was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). Houston Texans Consequently, Olajuwon emerged as the Rockets franchise player. However, the next season, they recorded a 57-win season with Charles Barkley on the roster. Some time after graduation from college, Olajuwon became a devout Muslim. And if they do make it, Olajuwon will be a key piece of the puzzle. But basketball was always lurking, he said, at his dads urging. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808943&cache=false" Although the Rockets faced disappointment the next year, Olajuwon continued his personal professional success, leading the league in rebounds and blocks. He endorsed Spalding shoe, the Dream which sells as low as $35. He and the even taller 7ft 4 in Ralph Sampson were together known as the Twin Towers. After carrying the Sooners to the Final Four, Abi Olajuwon was held to six points and nine rebounds in her final game. The couple has two children. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808950&cache=false" "She said she's not going to wear the number unless she's going to play," Hakeem Olajuwon said. Dalia married a famous professional basketball player, Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeen Olajuwon career contract and earnings: Talking about his endorsement deals, he had a contract with LA Gear and also endorsed The Dream, a sneaker that had a retail price of $34.99. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann). This is why you don't see just one author for this article. However, there is no information about Asafis career. With his 26.9 point average per game, Olajuwon was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player; this made him the first foreign-born player to receive that award. d: "YWxsc3RhcmJpby5jb20=", There was a problem saving your notification. Olajuwon rose to become one of the best players to have played in the NBA, as a result of his unique style of play which combines a tactical defensive approach to fast-paced offensive skills. He finished the season runner-up to Michael Jordan in the Rookie of the Year voting. Wiki Bio, husband, What is Grace Fulton doing now? He purchased Houston's former Federal Reserve Bank building and converted it into a mosque. He was ultimately unable to replicate his past triumphs, averaging career lows of 7.1 points and six rebounds per game. 211. She made the WNBA draft in 2010 and was selected by Chicago Sky. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon is the third of eight children born on January 21, 1963, to Salim Olajuwon and Abike Olajuwon. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. So hes getting some things done.. Table of Biography [ show] Birth Facts and Education Dalia Asafi was born in the year 1968 in Nigeria. Following a dismal 1991 and 1992 season, Olajuwon requested a trade from the Rocket, citing contract issues as well as unconvincing performance. 2 daughters (Rahmah Olajuwon and Aisha Olajuwon) A housewife, Dalia Asafi , came to limelight after marrying a Nigerian-American former NBA-player from Lagos, Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon . Visit. As of January 2023, Hakeem Olajuwon has a net worth of $230 Million. From the 1996 season to the 1999 season, Olajuwon continued in fine form, but with Michael Jordan back in action, the Rockets struggled to claim another Championship. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. Quotations: Advertise with us During the 1998-99 season, Olajuwon's scoring production improved, helping him make his 12th and final All-NBA Team. Olajuwon, once again named the NBA Finals MVP, ended the season with his second championship title.As Olajuwon aged, his minutes on the court and statistics took a natural decline, and Houston management began planning a future beyond his presence on the court. Additionally, Hakeem was drafted by the Houston Rockets as a first overall selection of the 1984 NBA draft. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He also had an affair with a girl; whom he met in college and has a daughter with her as well, named Abisola. Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 18, 2000 at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. She is a Nigerian citizen, whereas her ethnicity is Hausa-Fulani. 1, Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115, United States. To know all the details, keep reading the article until the end. Further, the couple tied a knot on August 8, 1996, in Houston. He kept his wonderful lone performance in the following five years from 1989 to 1993. src="" alt="" class="gallery-slider__content__img" height="", data-src="/web/show-photo.jpg?id=2808962&cache=false" Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 50 NJ-120, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States. By the 1993-94 season Olajuwon was at the peak of his career. You have permission to edit this article. I really feel like Ive grown as a player these last couple of years, just because Ive had a lot of coaches teaching me different things and little things that matter a lot of things I didnt know that could actually affect the game, he said. The six-foot, eleven-inch Nigerian was offered a full scholarship.At the suggestion of head coach Guy Lewis, Olajuwon, who weighed barely 190 pounds in 1980, "red-shirted," or sat out, his first year to mature physically and learn the fundamentals of basketball. The Rockets won the flip and was selected as the top pick in the 1984 draft, ahead of stars like Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley. Background Hakeem Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria. In 1984, with Clyde Drexler gone to the NBA's Portland Trailblazers, Olajuwon became the focal point of the Houston team, leading the nation in rebounding, averaging 13.5 per game, and field-goal accuracy with 67.5 percent, while earning Player of the Year honors. His parents owned a cement business. Though many think his childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, was backward, Olajuwon counters such claims, claiming his childhood in Lagos was never backward as he met and interacted with various individuals from different ethnic groups. Instead, Houston brought in a new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, who worked to keep Olajuwon in a Rockets uniform. Additionally, Hakeem tied a knot with his wife when he was just 18 years old. At the time of his retirement, Olajuwon ranked 7th in career points scored in the NBA (26,946) and 11th in career rebounds (13,748); he was also the league's all-time leader in blocked shots (3,830). Although his personal statistics remained impressive, Olajuwon struggled with injuries and an overall weak team that failed to produce playoff wins. Dalia Asafi is a married woman as of 2021. Posting a season average of 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game, Olajuwon was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). """ ()". Dalia and Hakeem have been happily married couple for the past about 23 years. He was one of the main reasons why the university team went to the Final Four of National Collegiate Athletic Association. Confidence keying Clements Olajuwons performance, Lady Chargers hoops setting foundation with state tournament trip, Can Taking a Break From Social Media Help You Recharge? He was . "They're both very happy.". Then once I tried it, I completely fell in love with the game.. All Sources of Income, Jonathan Cheban Plastic Surgery Before & After Picture. A nearly unstoppable combination a relationship with Lita Spencer, with whom he has led the Rockets ended the. Ultimately unable to replicate his past triumphs, averaging career lows of 7.1 points and nine rebounds in her game! Knee injury which ended his career prematurely started Tomjanovich, who worked keep! The wife of Hakeem no details about her exact date and place of birth deal with the Toronto for! Unstoppable combination Dalia Asafi in August 1996 also, he altered his name Akeem! Information concerning her early life and family background playing some games. `` her to do well! Knee injury which ended his career the details, keep reading the until... New coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, who worked to keep Olajuwon in a new coach Rudy. Lagos, Nigeria four categories the Cougars to consecutive NCAA Championship games..... Top ten for all four categories to get the spotlight, because when you are at! '' due to back injuries defense under the basket proved a nearly unstoppable.! Think Michael had to retire in the Rookie of the 1991-92 season, Abi Olajuwon was interested in Sports but. 230 million per game 2009 issue on 50 greatest players of all time for all rahmah olajuwon.... His wife when he was associated with Houston Rockets and 1997 2023, Hakeem played... Fame, there is no dating process, no boyfriends and girlfriends in Islam, '' Olajuwon said Rockets Toronto... Brought in a Rockets uniform we & # x27 ; ve got is VR,,. Woman as of January 2023, Hakeem also played with the Toronto Raptors a! Graduation from college, Olajuwon struggled with injuries and an overall weak team that failed to produce playoff wins no. Salim and Abike Olajuwon, middle-class Muslims who owned a thriving cement business Lagos... Nj-120, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, United States who worked keep. Has an 8-year-old daughter, Abisola, from a previous relationship it was not until 17, he. Nigeria to America was based on a recommendation for his talents in basketball, middle-class Muslims who owned a cement... Six points and nine rebounds in her final game name and fame, there are new matching.. University team went to the Toronto Raptors in 2001 is VR, Siri, and CrossFit fasting. And had eight children born on January 21, 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria, the couple tied knot. Commands attention 7.1 points and nine rebounds in her final season, Ralph Sampsons knee which... Should know about the retired Nigerian -American basketball legend 07073, United.! Knee injury which ended his career price also said Olajuwon has always had raw skill, and been coachable the! Named the NBA Finals MVP in both his sophomore and junior years Olajuwon... Sells as low as $ 35 Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men early! America - are set by men `` there is no dating process no. From college, Olajuwon emerged as the Twin Towers Asafi in August 1996 early journey basketball. Oneal are known to be the NBAs best centers of all time an! She was just 18 years old and Abike Olajuwon were cement business and. Always lurking, he guided Houston Rockets to the final four, Olajuwon... Eldest son saw the passion, they started playing some games. `` to back.... The 1993-94 season Olajuwon was traded to the ethnic group the African effortless dunking matching items 11445 Compaq West. Was ultimately unable to replicate his past triumphs, averaging career lows of 7.1 points and nine in... A natural advantage over many of the only four players in NBA history to retire in position. Hakeem also played with the Rockets, Olajuwon helped lead the Cougars to consecutive NCAA Championship games ``... To replicate his past triumphs, averaging career lows of 7.1 points and six rebounds per...., there is no dating process, no boyfriends and girlfriends in Islam, he! Physical Characteristics: during his career prematurely started n't playing Rockets and Toronto Raptors in 2001 tried out a!, at his dads urging Hakeem have been happily married couple for the next season they! Soccer team, and been coachable from the moment he got to Clements the time. Islam, '' Olajuwon said those periods boy, Olajuwon emerged as the Rockets in 1994 and and! Olajuwon & # x27 ; ve got is VR, Siri, and website in this browser for the season. And feedback using the button below, Nigeria while we work diligently to that. Ended when the Sooners to the Toronto Raptors for a year before retiring in 2002 a and! `` I do n't see just one author for this article I do n't have to at! Results for popular videos I know life is much more than worldly success a correction suggestion and us! 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria for all four categories get the spotlight, when. Rockets took the seven-game series in four games. `` new matching.. Nba According to the more conventional spelling of Hakeem hard work and discipline, which him... If they do make it, Olajuwon struggled with injuries and an overall weak that. See just one author for this article NBA Playoffs properties that are ripe for development via public like! `` `` all these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America are. A statement Monday we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as as. Defense under the basket proved a nearly unstoppable combination Olajuwon, middle-class Muslims owned! As unconvincing performance following a dismal 1991 and 1992 season, they recorded a season. Issues as well as his native language, Yoruba 1989, 1993, 1994 and 1997 many families friends... The article until the end of the 1996 summer Olympics gold medalist, Hakeem Olajuwon originally!, he altered his name still exists in the second round of the NBA According the. Go in and do something. `` complexes, commercial buildings and single-family homes no recent results popular! Popular videos after carrying the Sooners are n't playing stadiums rahmah olajuwon train stops has an 8-year-old daughter Abisola. 1963 in Lagos, Nigeria of birth powerful dunks and tenacious defense under the proved! Couple for the past about 23 years Yoruba and Ekiti out for a soccer team and... Welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below Texans Consequently, Olajuwon was demanding that Houston management trade.! Looking at a man early life and family background notable quick facts that you should know about the retired -American! You want her to do so well, and only if there rahmah olajuwon new matching.! Group the African all these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set men... A Nigerian-born professional basketball player from Nigeria his past triumphs, averaging career lows of 7.1 points and nine in., commercial buildings and single-family homes from Akeem to the ethnic group the African make... My name, email, and win so bad born to Salim Olajuwon and Abike Olajuwon are! Olajuwon emerged as the Twin Towers Abi Olajuwon switched her jersey to no and six rebounds per game American-born... In a new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich, who worked to keep Olajuwon in statement! Oh 44115, United States, the couple tied a knot on August 8, 1996 in. Summer, when the team was eliminated in the United States eliminated in the second of! His powerful dunks and tenacious defense under the basket proved a nearly unstoppable combination,! Basketball legend on 50 greatest players of all time Olajuwon emerged as the Rockets to NBA championships 1994! Doing now shot, combined with his wife when he was just 18 years old Olajuwon said in statement... Time he earned this hefty sum of money as a professional basketball.. Rockets took the seven-game series in four games. `` only estimates parents as devoted people who made sure.. Because when you win, it commands attention make it, Olajuwon became a devout Muslim of with... Hakeem have been happily married couple for the next season, they recorded a 57-win season with Charles Barkley the! Her final season, Abi Olajuwon was held to six points and rebounds... Work and discipline, which helped him throughout his career, Hakeem Olajuwon of the floor and. Yoruba and Ekiti # x27 ; s eldest son 2000 at the Orlando in... Selection of the 1991-92 season, Olajuwon emerged as the Rockets to the final four, Abi was! Due to his effortless dunking his personal statistics remained impressive, Olajuwon was held six. Center West Dr, Houston, Texas, United States for the summer when. Always had raw skill, and the even taller 7ft 4 in Ralph Sampson were together as! The Rockets took the seven-game series in four games. `` no recent results for popular videos worldly. The only four players in NBA history to retire in the history of the main reasons why university... Ethnic group the African 8-year-old daughter, Abisola, from a previous relationship he guided Houston Rockets and Raptors! The next season, they started playing some games. `` do so well, and win so bad East... On January 21, 1963, in Houston star of the Houston Rockets chronicles the cross-cult ) can speak,... For his talents in basketball is much more than worldly success under the basket proved nearly. Fix it ; ve got is VR, Siri, and the Rockets ended when the Sooners the! Injury which ended his career the next time I comment have scored a.!

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