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Hakeem Olajuwon Biography: From Lagos to NBA Champion and Hall of Famer
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon only started playing basketball at 15 in Lagos. He became the first pick in the NBA draft, a two-time NBA champion and one of the greatest centres in history.
University of Houston; Houston Rockets (1984–2001); Toronto Raptors (2001–2002)
Big honours
2× NBA champion (1994, 1995); NBA MVP (1994); 2× Finals MVP; Hall of Fame (2008)
Lagos beginnings
Olajuwon grew up in Lagos and played football and handball as a boy. He picked up basketball at 15, and his height, footwork and timing quickly stood out. In 1980 he moved to the United States to play for the University of Houston.
In the 1984 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets picked Olajuwon first overall — ahead of Michael Jordan, who went third. He became known for the “Dream Shake”, a set of fakes and spins near the basket that defenders could not stop.
Champion
In 1994, Olajuwon won the NBA Most Valuable Player award, Defensive Player of the Year and the NBA title with Houston, and was Finals MVP. He led the Rockets to a second straight championship in 1995, again as Finals MVP. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots.
He became a US citizen in 1993 and won Olympic gold with the USA in 1996. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and remains a hero to young Nigerian players dreaming of the NBA.
Let’s discuss
Should Nigeria invest more in basketball?
Who is the greatest Nigerian-born athlete of all time?
Share your view in the comments — respectfully. Facts and sources are welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hakeem Olajuwon Nigerian?
Yes, he was born in Lagos in 1963. He later became an American citizen.
How many NBA titles did Olajuwon win?
Two, with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
Was Olajuwon drafted before Michael Jordan?
Yes. He was the first pick in the 1984 NBA draft; Jordan was third.
Written by the askJBoss team from public records, interviews and reporting; last updated October 2026. Sport moves fast — transfers, results and records change. Spotted something new? Tell us in the comments.
