Ten fun facts about Hakeem Olajuwon

1. Teenager to NBA Champion

Hakeem Olajuwon didn't pick up a basketball until he was 15 years old, but that didn't stop him from becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history. After learning the game, Olajuwon quickly developed into a dominant force on the court, leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. He was also named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1994 and was selected to the All-Star team 12 times. Olajuwon's career accomplishments are even more impressive considering he didn't start playing basketball until he was a teenager.

Also → Patrick Ewing inducted into Hall of Fame

2. The Fastest Player in NBA History

Hakeem Olajuwon was an instant star in the National Basketball Association (NBA), dazzling fans with his remarkable quickness and agility on the court. His ability to move with lightning speed and agility made him a force to be reckoned with, and he quickly became one of the most feared players in the league. His agility and quickness allowed him to outmaneuver opponents and make plays that no one else could. His skill and athleticism made him one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and he was a key part of the Houston Rockets' back-to-back championships in the mid-1990s.

Also → Gary Payton Inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

3. Hakeem & Ralph: NBA's Fearsome 'Twin Towers' Duo

Hakeem Olajuwon, the 7'0" Hall of Fame center, was a key part of the Houston Rockets' "Twin Towers" duo with 7'4" Ralph Sampson. Together, they formed one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in NBA history, leading the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1986 and winning back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon was a 12-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and the 1994 NBA MVP.

Also → Dikembe Mutombo: Hall of Famer!

4. The Dream of Defense

In 1988-89, Hakeem Olajuwon made history by becoming the first player in NBA history to record 200 steals and 200 blocks in a single season. His impressive performance continued the following year, when he led the league with 14 rebounds and an incredible 4.6 blocks per game. His remarkable defensive prowess earned him the nickname "The Dream" and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

Also → Reggie Miller Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

5. Triple Crown Winner!

Hakeem Olajuwon made history in the NBA when he became the first player to win the Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. This remarkable feat was achieved during the 1993-94 season, when Olajuwon led the Houston Rockets to their first NBA championship. His impressive performance throughout the season earned him the MVP award, while his defensive prowess was recognized with the Defensive Player of the Year award. In the Finals, Olajuwon averaged 27.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.9 blocks per game, leading the Rockets to a 4-3 series victory over the New York Knicks and earning him the Finals MVP award.

Also → Karl Malone Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

6. Hakeem Olajuwon Becomes a U.S. Citizen

Hakeem Olajuwon achieved a major milestone in his career when he was granted U.S. citizenship in 1996. This enabled him to join the U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team, with whom he won a gold medal that same year. His success was further recognized when he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, as part of the league's 50-year anniversary celebration.

Also → Kobe Bryant Named Top NBA Player of the 2000s

7. The Greatest Basketball Player of All Time

Hakeem Olajuwon was a basketball legend, having been named to the All-NBA First Team six times and the NBA All-Defensive First Team five times. His impressive career spanned 18 seasons, during which he was a 12-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and one-time NBA MVP. He was also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is undeniable.

Also → Alonzo Mourning, Jr. - NBA Legend and Defensive Master

8. NBA Legend and Real-Estate Dealer

After a successful career in the NBA, Hakeem Olajuwon has reinvented himself as a successful real-estate dealer in Houston. He has also become a sought-after instructor for NBA players, helping them to improve their moves around the basket. His expertise in the game has enabled him to provide invaluable advice to some of the best players in the league, helping them to hone their skills and become even better.

Also → Grant Hill Inducted to Basketball HOF

9. Hakeem Olajuwon, Muslim NBA Legend, Studies Koran

When he's not busy running his business in Houston, Hakeem Olajuwon spends quality time with his family at their home in Jordan. There, he takes the opportunity to study the Koran, deepening his understanding of the Islamic faith. Olajuwon is a devout Muslim, and his commitment to his faith is evident in his dedication to studying the Koran.

Also → Shaq: College Phenom

10. Hakeem Olajuwon Joins Naismith Hall of Fame

In 2008, Hakeem Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor for one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Olajuwon's career was marked by numerous accomplishments, including two NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and 12 All-Star selections. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was a fitting recognition of his remarkable career.

Also → Magic Johnson inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame