21.8 PPG, 2.5 APG, 11.1 RPG, 51 FG%, 71 FT%
“During his 18-year career, Nigeria-born Hakeem Olajuwon staked his claim as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Long considered a physical marvel since his days at the University of Houston, his aesthetic and productive play — highlighted by his Houston Rockets’ back-to-back NBA titles — earned him a place among the game’s best.
In 1993-94 he had a storybook season, becoming the first player to be named NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Finals MVP in the same season. The following season he rallied the Rockets from a sixth seed in the playoffs to their second straight NBA crown, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise ever to win back-to-back titles.
Olajuwon was the third of six children and acquired the basic values that pushed him to succeed from his parents, who were middle-class and owned a cement business in Lagos, Nigeria.
“They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe in ourselves,” the NBA great has said.
Olajuwon, which translates into “always being on top,” began playing basketball at the late age of 15. Olajuwon’s high school, the Muslim Teachers College, was an entry in the basketball tournament at the All-Nigeria Teachers Sports Festival in Sokoto — but Olajuwon was on the handball team. A fellow student approached the coach and asked if Olajuwon could play for the team. Permission was granted and a basketball superstar was born.” [Read]
[Note: the following video contains profanity]
[Sources: NBA.com, YouTube, Basketball-Reference.com]
October 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
One of the three best players I ever saw. He was amazing.
Had he been in a more favorable situation (supporting cast was limited; played in “Jordan years”), he would have won six or seven titles.