Hakeem Olajuwon is the only player in NBA history to record more than 3,000 blocked shots and 2,000 steals.
For a legend such as this, it is hard to think that there is a possibility that the superstar would have missed out on his big career while in
secondary school.
Born to a Muslim family of eight, Olajuwon acclaimed his success in basketball to his parents for their training and support from his tender ages.
“They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe in ourselves.”
Olajuwon, who began playing basketball at age 15, was first selected into the handball team at his school, Muslim Teachers College. The school participated in the Nigeria Teachers Sports Festival in Sokoto with Olajuwon in the handball team, until a fellow student asked the coach if he could play for the basketball team. The coach gave his consent and granted the player permission to switch teams.
The decision was the defining moment of Olajuwon’s life, and the start of his basketball career that lasted for 18-years.
Olajuwon’s Basketball Career
Two years later, Olajuwon enrolled at the
University of Houston where he began his athletic career as a soccer goalkeeper and handball player.
He moved to play for the Cougars in Houston, and his remarkable performance for the team brought the spotlight to the Nigerian and with time, the player grew to become one of the greatest athletes in Houston history and the world.
Olajuwon played 20 consecutive seasons in Houston between the University of Houston and the Houston Rockets.
In 1994, Olajuwon became the first player in NBA history to be named
NBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and
NBA Finals MVP in the same year.
God First
Despite being one of the greatest of all time, the Muslim player was faithful to his religion, and never missed Ramadan during the playing season.
During his playing days, the player, who knew what it meant to come from a middle-class home, endorsed an inexpensive sneaker so low-income families could afford them.
The ‘Businessman’ side of Olajuwon
The basketball legend was not just a pro on the pitch, but he also showed that he knew quite a lot about the business of real estate.
Olajuwon recorded a huge success in the Houston real estate market, with estimated profits of over ₦36 billion ($100 million).
