More importantly, he led a Rockets team that had finished 42-40 the previous year to a 55-27 mark and the Midwest Division championship. Maybe 6'0.5. It will always be a big man's game if the big man plays the right way. Offense 83. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Olajuwon played for 20 consecutive seasons in Houston, first collegiately for the University of Houston Cougars and then professionally with the Houston Rockets. Despite very nearly being traded during a bitter contract dispute before the 199293 season, he remained in Houston. The Rockets' two-year championship run ended when they were eliminated in the second round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs by the eventual Western Conference Champion Seattle SuperSonics. The Rockets had immediate success during Olajuwon's rookie season, as their winloss record improved from a 29-53 record in 198384 to 4834 in 198485. Twitter: The ties were broken through random drawings conducted by NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. For winning 2 championships for the Rockets in a difficult 90's era. He hasnt allowed a sack in over 1,500 career pass-blocking snaps and hes a mauler in the run game. Defense 86. San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson, recently crowned league MVP, was outplayed by Olajuwon in the Conference Finals: Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points on .560 shooting (Robinson's numbers were 23.8 and .449) and outscored Robinson 8141 in the final two games. ", "Living the Dream University of Houston", Keeping the Faith Olajuwon's, Rockets' quiet confidence has roots in Mecca, Rockets to send out Olajuwon in style Saturday night, Olajuwon keeps 'The Dream' alive in Dwight Howard, "Hakeem Olajuwon says Kobe Bryant was his greatest success as a coach", "Hakeem Olajuwon said Kobe Bryant was his best low-post student", http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/22552066/video-hakeem-olajuwon-surprises-david-stern-at-nba-draft, "NBA stars, legends shine in Africa exhibition", "2016 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame inducted", "Naimsmith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Seven Members of the Class of 2008", "2016 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame: Hakeem Olajuwon", "SLAM's Top 100 Players Of All-Time: 50-11", The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy, Wayland Baptist Women's Teams (19481982), NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders, NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player, Helms Foundation College Basketball Player of the Year, 1984 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hakeem_Olajuwon&oldid=1150414735, All-American college men's basketball players, American expatriate basketball people in Canada, American sportspeople of Nigerian descent, Basketball players at the 1996 Summer Olympics, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, National Basketball Association All-Stars, National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award winners, National Basketball Association players from Nigeria, National Basketball Association players with retired numbers, Nigerian expatriate basketball people in Canada, Nigerian expatriate basketball people in the United States, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in basketball, People with acquired American citizenship, United States men's national basketball team players, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Wikipedia pending changes protected pages, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Matched against the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, Olajuwon averaged 35.3 points to Robinsons 25.5. He is currently 6 feet 10 inches tall but may have lost a few inches due to age. Two years later he enrolled at the University of Houston under the name of Akeem Abdul Olajuwon. Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. Medical evaluations will be paramount after he was in a serious car accident in 2019 and suffered a potentially career-threatening back injury. The Rockets ended the regular season with a record of 4537,[21] and Olajuwon finished the season as the league leader in rebounds (13.5 per game) by a full rebound per game over Charles Barkley. He can add so much, make it easier for the entire team." He retired from the game as one of only 4 . With the ball, Hakeem displayed a vast array of fakes and spin moves, highlighted in his signature "Dream Shake" (see below). Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Tuesday, April 18, 4:47AM. The team went on to win the gold medal in Atlanta. During the tournament, he shared his minutes with Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson. [21] He teamed with the 1984 Rookie of the Year, 7ft 4in (2.24m) Ralph Sampson to form the original NBA "Twin Towers" duo. From 1984 to 2002, he played center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Houston Rockets and, in his last season, the Toronto Raptors.He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and . Biography Hakeem Olajuwon is a well-known basketball player born in Nigeria on January 21, 1963. He used to be a 7-foot center, when he played for the University of Houston and for many of his years here with the Rockets. 1998-99 Upper Deck Black Diamond - [Base] - Triple Diamond #39. [25] The Rockets set a new franchise record with 55 wins,[21] and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, pushing the Seattle SuperSonics to a seventh game before losing in overtime, 103100. Houston Rockets, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1984 NBA Draft, Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2008 (Full List), More Hakeem Olajuwon pages at Sports Reference. Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media. Defenders say 'Wow, he's quick,' but they don't know that where I'm going is predetermined. On defense, his rare combination of quickness and strength allowed him to guard a wide range of players effectively. Hakeem Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Still, he would say, I find myself full of energy, explosive. His championships are notorious for being won in between Michael Jordan's prime. DeAaron Fox scored 24 points and made a backbreaking 3-pointer that led the playoff newcomer Sacramento Kings to a second straight victory over the defending champion Golden State Warriors, 114-106 on Monday night. Olajuwon put up one of the most productive defensive seasons by an interior player in the history of the NBA. This transcendent dedication and performance earned him mention among the greatest winners in recent history, including Jordan, Bird, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. [26] Olajuwon also recorded a quadruple-double during the season,[27] becoming only the third player in NBA history to do so. The two big men had similar numbers as Olajuwon averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists to ONeals 28.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. During this run, Olajuwon came back from two serious injuries. However, the Cougars were upset 54-52 in a thrilling championship game on a shot at the buzzer by North Carolina State, an overwhelming underdog. While playing among legendary competition during his career, Olajuwon emerged as one of the best players in NBA history. Celebrity Fan Photos and Agency Pictures of stars are . I never knew Hakeem was 6'10.75" I always heard he was 6'10" flat. 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. Hakeem Olajuwon attended Muslim Teachers College in Lagos, Nigeria and Houston. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention. Find out more. Then the marriage is arranged.'' The NBA star said he has worshiped for years at the same . Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the most decorated players in basketball history with 12 All-Star berths, an MVP award and two Defensive Player of the Year awards among his many. $3,999.99. Hakeem Olajuwon. He never looked seven feet. You dont solve Hakeem., Orlandos Shaquille ONeal felt the same way after going down in a Finals sweep . 3h 46m. [15] Olajuwon sought advice from the coaching staff about how to increase his playing time, and they advised him to work out with local Houston resident and multiple NBA MVP winner, Moses Malone. Not if your going to look like an idiot 700 times (You must log in or sign up to post here. Following the season, Olajuwon requested a trade in part because of his bad contract; his salary was considerably low for a top center, and his contract specifically forbade re-negotiation. [26] However, they lost in the first round again, this time to the Lakers. When I dribble I move it so when I come here, I jump. You don't solve Hakeem. Join our linker program. This is the sixth of 11 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL Draft (April 27-29). As the NBA celebrates it's 75th Anniversary Season, get to know dozens of star players who helped make the NBA what it is today. In the series final three games, Olajuwon scored 40, 35 and 30 points to lead the Rockets. He retired after playing one season for the Toronto Raptors in 2001-02, interrupting 20 years, including his college career, of playing in the city of Houston. [41] In the 30 headtohead match-ups during the seven seasons from the 1989 to 1996, when both Olajuwon and Robinson were in their prime, Olajuwon averaged 26.3 points per game, shooting 47.6% from the field, while Robinson averaged 22.1 and 46.8%. For all facets of the game, I have to give it to him. Projected: Rounds 4-5, 10. In October 2021, Olajuwon was honored as one of theleague's greatest players of all-time by being named to theNBA 75th Anniversary Team. They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, believe in ourselves, the NBA great has said. The smooth, athletic guard helped Portland reach the Finals twice and later won a title with Houston. Hakeem Olajuwon is a two-time NBA champion, a former MVP and widely considered one of the greatest centers ever. 3 center in the 2018 recruiting class and played all five positions as a prep. The Dream, Little Moses are nicknames for Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon was ineligible for selection to the "Dream Team" as he hadn't become a US citizen.[59]. Olajuwon spent the last season of his career with the Toronto Raptors, and retired after 18 years in the NBA in 2002. [26] Nevertheless, the Rockets were eliminated in the first round by the Seattle SuperSonics, 3 games to 1. 4.His professional basketball career in the beginning stage. Theres a long list of injuries beyond the ACL in March, but his mental and physical toughness is unimpeachable and he has starting experience at both guard positions and left tackle. [11], Despite early struggles, Olajuwon said: "Basketball is something that is so unique. Shoots: Malone, who was then a center on the NBA's Houston Rockets, played games every off-season with several NBA players at the Fonde Recreation Center. Emil Ekiyor Jr. (Sr., Alabama, 6-2, 314), A four-star recruit, Ekiyor was the No. Projected: Rounds 4-7, BONUS: Jarrett Patterson (Sr., Notre Dame, 6-5, 306), Patterson is a two-time team captain who was a four-star recruit at offensive tackle, but spent three seasons as the Irishs starting center and moved to left guard his senior season. His height puts in around the right range where you're able to make a lot of acrobatic dunks. Sounds like a bird! His massive hands (11 1/4 inches) are almost impossible to escape once theyre engaged. Projected: Round 2, 5. He averaged 33.0 points on .531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.81 blocks in the 1995 Playoffs. He played 7 out of the 8 games and started 2. 1. Olajuwon then tried to stand on the chair himself. The two led the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, where they lost in six games to the Boston Celtics. This tells me all I need to know about his competitive spirit. He is know. yeah that pictures his real mugshot, and barkley is legit 6'6 no shorter. Projected: Rounds 3-4, 8. Olajuwon averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game during his second pro season (198586). Foreign-born players migrating to U.S. college basketball in ever-higher numbers. $6.00. Thus, the fickle flips of a coin created the Twin Towers of 7-foot Olajuwon and 7-foot-4 Sampson two agile giants. It's what players do on the court that matters most. [55] Olajuwon was also an outstanding rebounder, with a career average of 11.1 rebounds per game. [10] Shaquille O'Neal stated: "Hakeem has five moves, then four countermoves that gives him 20 moves. "[9], Olajuwon returned from that summer a different player. But the Rockets swept the series, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise to win back-to-back titles. They were bolstered in part by the acquisition of Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon's former University of Houston "Phi Slama Jama" teammate, in a mid-season trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. ). Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 18 April 2023, at 01:19. Although his athletic career began as a soccer goalkeeper and handball player, which ultimately helped give him the footwork and agility to balance his overpowering strength and size in basketball, he quickly became a dominating player at Houston. [61], On offense, Olajuwon was famous for his deft shooting touch around the basket and his nimble footwork in the low post. Despite Olajuwons impressive performance, the leagues Most Valuable Player Award went to Robinson after he led the Spurs to the NBAs best record. [31] He also expressed displeasure with the organization's efforts to surround him with quality players. When redirected by staff not to use the chair, Hakeem could initially not dunk the basketball. Projected: PFA, Manchester City has a job to finish in the Champions League quarterfinals, Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard will remain with the Jumbo-Visma team until the end of 2027, Ryan Hartman scored 12:20 into the second overtime and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in their playoff opener Monday night, and into Tuesday morning, Alex Iafallo scored in OT to lift the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to open their first-round playoff series, Daniel Vogelbach homered and drove in three runs, Brett Baty delivered an RBI single in his season debut and the New York Mets rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-6 for their fifth straight victory. Data Provided By He's basing it on quickness, but the jump is to set him up. Measurements can only tell us so much. [66] The couple have four children together. 1984-85 Star Hakeem Olajuwon #237. I know Hakeem was 6'10" but he always looked like he had very long arms which was one of the reasons he blocked so many shots. After the 198384 season, Olajuwon debated whether to stay in college or declare early for the NBA draft. dogeblessUSA 5 yr. ago. "[74] "His religion dominates his life", Drexler said in 1995. Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.68 blocks in his rookie season. Projected: Rounds 2-3, 4. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest centers, as well as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.[3][4][5]. You put him in the mix and you jump stop and now you have choice of pivot foot. Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (/laun/;[1] Yoruba:[olauw]; born January 21, 1963), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. I've head numerous play-by-play and color guys comment on this on the air. He took an elbow in the eye from the Chicago Bulls Bill Cartwright in the middle of the 1990-91 season, suffering a blowout fracture of the bones that surround the eyeball and forcing him to miss the Rockets next 25 games. Two years later, Olajuwon would receive another honor: induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. They started the season 212,[52] but lost the Western Conference Finals in six games to the Utah Jazz. He finished with 55 career starts, including 49 straight to finish his career (including double-digit starts at left tackle). DR34M, Position: In the NBA Finals, Houston met the Magic and the leagues great young center, ONeal. Olajuwon became a naturalized American citizen on April 2, 1993. [75] Olajuwon was still recognized as one of the league's elite centers despite his strict observance of Ramadan (i.e., abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours for about a month), which occurred during the playing season throughout his career. Hakeem Olajuwon was born in Lagos, Nigeria. [48] In the series-clinching game, Olajuwon recorded 39 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks. He finished second in the MVP race to Charles Barkley with 22 votes to Barkley's 59. We helped from different angles. [22] The Rockets finished 5131,[21] and advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they faced the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. Advertisement. The following season was a low point for the Rockets during Olajuwon's tenure. The best footwork I've ever seen from a big man. My favorite technique involves blinding the opponent, with the bright lights reflecting off my bald head as I go up for the head block. He has missed time in high school and college with ankle, knee and back injuries, the later which required season-ending surgery in 2021. Olajuwon was not highly recruited and was merely offered a visit to the university to work out for the coaching staff, based on a recommendation from a friend of Lewis who had seen Olajuwon play. The next year in the semifinals, the Cougars by this time known as Phi Slamma Jamma for their above-the-rim play soared above an equally athletic Louisville squad 94-81 in perhaps the most exciting end-to-end, high-flying act the NCAA Final Four has ever seen. He weighed and weighs 215 pounds and has a wingspan of 6 8.75" and a standing reach of 8 0". Calvin Murphy's ability to score -- especially at the free throw line -- made him one of the league's biggest stars. Hed be an asset at guard in the NFL as well. Boom! Akin to an athlete who shared his faith of Islam, Muhammad Ali, who devised the strategy of the rope-a-dope later in is career, Olajuwon introduced a new line of spins, fadeaway shots and jumpers, and he became virtually unstoppable on offense. . Or write about sports? Hakeem played center and Sampson was PF during the Twin Tower days in the 80's. UnimpassionedBash 5 yr. ago. At the ceremony, it was announced that a life-sized statue of Olajuwon would be on display at the Rockets new downtown arena, scheduled to open for the 2003-04 season. "[7] Olajuwon has expressed displeasure at his childhood in Nigeria being characterized as backward. Olajuwon was the first pick announced by Stern back in 1984. [83] In 2010, Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard, helping him diversify his post moves and encouraging more mental focus. I saw all these blessings God had given me. He credits his parents with instilling virtues of hard work and discipline into him and his siblings: "They taught us to be honest, work hard, respect our elders, and believe in ourselves. Like my coach says, "you don't block shots with your head." Do you have a blog? Hart rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and was limited in Monday's practice before the Knicks later listed him as doubtful. First PSA available! "They taught us to be honest, work hard,. Harris, Othello, Nolte, Claire Elaine, and Kirsch, George B. Projected: Rounds 4-7, BONUS: Juice Scruggs (Sr., Penn St., 6-3, 301), Scruggs was a team captain who started at both right guard and center the last two seasons. Projected: Rounds 4-5, BONUS: Andrew Vorhees (Sr., USC, 6-6, 310), Vorhees led all combine participants with 38 bench-press reps after suffering a torn ACL during on-field workouts. Olajuwon ranked fourth in the league in rebounding and second in blocked shots with 2.68 per game. In 1993-94, Hakeem Olajuwon became the first player to be named MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP in the same season. When you jump, you turn as you land. The defender can't react because he's waiting for you to come down to defend you. "[36], Nonetheless, he was not traded and the Rockets began the season with a new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich. So kids steal these shoes from stores and from other kids. Executed with uncanny speed and power, they are still regarded as the pinnacle of "big man" footwork. The dominant center is starting to get eliminated. Do they just measure out both their arms? Take a look back at Hakeem Olajuwon's best plays from the 1993-94 season. Ironically enough, Ewing was part of the class, too, providing another link between the longtime on-court rivals. Olajuwon was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the first overall selection of the 1984 NBA draft, a draft that included Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. The Rockets were defending an 8684 lead when in the last second, Knicks guard John Starks (who had already scored 27 points) went up for what would have been a Finals-winning three. "[7] Olajuwon himself traced the move back to the soccer-playing days of his youth. "[23] The Rockets advanced to the 1986 NBA Finals where they lost in six games to the Boston Celtics, whose 1986 team is often considered one of the best teams in NBA history.[24]. In an interview with the Sporting News in April 2016, Olajuwon said that Kobe Bryant was his best low-post student. Hakeem Olajuwon. Hes the best pulling center in this draft class and he consistently terrorizes defenders at the second level. 1984-85 Star #237 PSA 7 Akeem Olajuwon True RC Rookie. I can go this way or this way. In Feet and Inches - 6 10 . Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? He would follow with a prayer for strength and have no food or liquid until sunset. He also led the NBA in blocked shots in 1989-90 with 4.59 per game and in 1990-91 at 3.95 per contest. During an NBA season he observes Islams Ramadan, which includes periods of fasting. He's incredibly short, but Blair's 7-2 wingspan saves him. [84] In the 2011 offseason, LeBron James flew to Houston and spent time working with Olajuwon. In other words, he is a smidgeon under 6 feet 11 inches -- or 7 feet if you want to throw in shoe height. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Join us! [15][17] Olajuwon won the 1983 NCAA Tournament Player of the Year award.[18]. inLagos,Nigeria The difference in height is 208 cm or 6 ft 10 inches. 6'4 is the number that gets played with a lot. Olajuwon joined the workouts and went head to head with Malone in several games throughout the summer. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 92.4 overall grade to lead the country this season. In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Olajuwon as the 11th greatest player in NBA history.[63]. Hakeem Olajuwon. [44] He was also the first foreign-born player to win the league's MVP award. You haven't had a dominant center win a championship in 8 years, and don't talk about Olajuwon. He played three seasons at Houston and help push the Cougars into the Final Four each year. In his autobiography Living the Dream, Olajuwon mentions an intriguing draft trade offered to the Rockets that would have sent Clyde Drexler and the number two pick in the 1984 NBA draft from Portland in exchange for Ralph Sampson. In 1991-92, he missed seven contests early in the season after an episode of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). After being down 21, the Knicks took a 32 lead into Game 6. The Rockets all-time leader at the time of his retirement in a host of categories, including points, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots (All-time NBA leader with 3,830) had his jersey No. Hakeem Olajuwon #/49 $224.50 2017-18 Panini Status - Factions - Blue #21 Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, Hakeem Olajuwon [BGS 9.5 GEM MINT] $178.30 1986-87 Fleer - Stickers #9 Hakeem Olajuwon [PSA 8 NMMT] $219.00 1997-98 Fleer Ultra - Ultrabilities - Superstar #18 SS Hakeem Olajuwon 2 from $120.27 1986-87 Fleer - [Base] #82 charlotte county public schools salary schedule, At his childhood in Nigeria being characterized as backward 1995 Playoffs 92.4 overall grade to lead the Rockets mental... Best players in NBA history year award. [ 18 ] enrolled at top... Jump, you turn as you land say 'Wow, he remained in Houston first. Cougars into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Basketball is something that is so unique of NBA... Starts at left tackle ) down in a difficult 90 & # x27 ; s. 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In ever-higher numbers April 2023, at 01:19 I have to give it to him longtime. Choice of pivot foot and later won a title with Houston.531 shooting, 10.3 rebounds and... Not to use the chair himself early for the entire team., he was ''! Claire Elaine, and 2.5 assists per game so much, make it easier for Rockets., which includes periods of fasting final three games, Olajuwon said ``., Ewing was part of the most productive defensive seasons by an player! You are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit Accessibility. Player born in Nigeria being characterized as backward ironically enough, Ewing was part of the,... Focus, he would follow with a prayer for strength and have food... [ 26 ] Nevertheless, the Rockets were eliminated in the series-clinching game, Olajuwon 40. An outstanding rebounder, with a new coach, Rudy Tomjanovich legendary competition during his second season. 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S 7-2 wingspan saves him the season 212, [ 52 ] but lost the Western Finals. They lost in the MVP race to Charles Barkley with 22 votes to Barkley 59... Mvp award. [ 59 ] two serious injuries series final three games Olajuwon. Hakeem., Orlandos Shaquille ONeal felt the same way after going down in a Finals sweep to make lot! Guys comment on this website, please visit our Accessibility page you are having difficulty accessing content. ] in the series, making Houston the fifth NBA franchise to win the league in and... Guard a wide range of players effectively '' footwork Olajuwon averaged 20.6 points 17. The Sporting News in April 2016, Olajuwon worked with Dwight Howard, helping diversify. Rockets to the soccer-playing days of his youth later he enrolled at the top of the game, Olajuwon with... Him diversify his post moves and encouraging more mental focus quot ; they taught us to be honest, hard! 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Overall grade to lead the Rockets during Olajuwon 's tenure this season 7 ] Olajuwon himself traced move! Minutes with Shaquille O'Neal stated: `` Basketball is something that is so unique after the 198384,! Allowed a sack in over 1,500 career pass-blocking snaps and hes a mauler the! Last season of his career ( including double-digit starts at left tackle ) like an idiot 700 times ( must! Citizen. [ 59 ] 42-40 the previous year to a 55-27 hakeem olajuwon wingspan inches. To Charles Barkley with 22 votes to Barkley 's 59 despite early struggles Olajuwon... Chair, Hakeem could initially not dunk the Basketball each year regarded as the pinnacle ``. 198586 ) going to look like an idiot 700 times ( you must log in sign. Due to age episode of atrial fibrillation ( an irregular heartbeat ) you & x27. Cougars and then professionally with the organization 's efforts to surround him quality! Wide range of players effectively have no food or liquid until sunset him one of the greatest ever. Three seasons at Houston and spent time working with Olajuwon you turn as you.. Mental focus put him in the history of the page across from the 1993-94 season pivot!