Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon, commonly known as Hakeem Olajuwon, is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player regarded as one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1963, he moved to the United States to attend the University of Houston, where he played for the Cougars as part of the high-profile Phi Slama Jama era.

Drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in 1984, Olajuwon spent the majority of his NBA career with Houston, before finishing with the Toronto Raptors in 2002. He led the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP honors on both occasions. He also won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 1994 and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Known for his exceptional footwork, agility, and shot-blocking ability, Olajuwon popularized the “Dream Shake,” a signature move that combined post moves with deceptive footwork.

Internationally and personally, Olajuwon became a naturalized American citizen and has been involved in various humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. His influence extends beyond his on-court achievements, as he is frequently cited in discussions of the game's great centers and post-player development.

Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his impact on the sport and his enduring legacy as a dominant two-way center. His career is often cited for its combination of scoring prowess, defense, and fundamental skill, which helped redefine the center position in the modern era.