Childhood and Education Journey of Hakeem Olajuwon in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Hakeem Olajuwon. A timeline of key moments.

Hakeem Olajuwon, known as "the Dream", is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. He played center in the NBA from 1984 to 2002, primarily for the Houston Rockets, leading them to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2008) and the FIBA Hall of Fame (2016), Olajuwon is celebrated as one of the greatest centers in basketball history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1961: Houston Oilers Win American Football League Championship

In 1961, the Houston Oilers won the American Football League championship.

January 21, 1963: Hakeem Olajuwon Born

On January 21, 1963, Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, later nicknamed "the Dream," was born. He is a Nigerian and American former professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Redshirt Freshman Year

During the 1980-81 season, Hakeem Olajuwon had a redshirt freshman year because he did not have clearance from the NCAA to play at the University of Houston.

1980: Arrived in Houston for University Visit

In 1980, Hakeem Olajuwon arrived in Houston for a visit to the University of Houston. He was not greeted at the airport and had to take a taxi to the university.

1980: All-Africa Games

In 1980, before arriving in the US, Olajuwon played for a Nigerian junior team in the All-Africa Games.

1981: Sixth Man for Cougars

During the 1981-82 season, Hakeem Olajuwon came off the bench as the Cougars' sixth man, averaging 8.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. Houston was eliminated in the Final Four by North Carolina.

1982: Started playing basketball

Hakeem Olajuwon started playing organized basketball in 1982 and made considerable improvements quickly.

1983: Named All-American

After the 1983-84 season, Hakeem Olajuwon was named a consensus first-team All-American.

1983: NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player

In 1983, Hakeem Olajuwon was voted the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year. The Cougars lost to North Carolina State in the NCAA championship game.

1984: NCAA Championship Game Appearance

In 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon helped the Cougars advance to the NCAA championship game, where they lost to Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown.

1984: Proposed Trade involving Drexler and Jordan

In 1984, a draft trade was offered to the Rockets that would have sent Clyde Drexler and the number two pick in the NBA draft from Portland in exchange for Ralph Sampson, potentially allowing the Rockets to select Michael Jordan.

March 9, 1991: Name Correction to Hakeem

On March 9, 1991, Akeem Olajuwon changed his name spelling to Hakeem, stating it was a correction and deepened his commitment to his Muslim faith, studying the Qur'an daily.

1992: Contract Dispute

In 1992, Hakeem Olajuwon nearly got traded due to a bitter contract dispute but remained in Houston.

1992: Requested a Trade

In 1992, Hakeem Olajuwon requested a trade from the Rockets due to his low salary, the team's lack of quality players, and accusations of faking a hamstring injury.

April 2, 1993: Naturalized American Citizen

On April 2, 1993, Olajuwon became a naturalized American citizen.

March 1995: Michael Jordan's Return

In March 1995, Michael Jordan returned from an 18-month hiatus and led the Chicago Bulls to dominate the league for the next three years.

1995: NBA Player of the Month During Ramadan

In 1995, Olajuwon was named NBA Player of the Month in February, even though Ramadan began on February 1 of that year, showcasing his ability to excel even while observing Ramadan.

August 8, 1996: Marriage to Dalia Asafi

On August 8, 1996, Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi in Houston. They have four children together.

1996: Publication of Autobiography

In 1996, Olajuwon's autobiography, "Living the Dream" with co-author Peter Knobler, was published.

2013: Olajuwon Attends 2013 NBA Draft

In 2013, Hakeem Olajuwon attended the NBA draft to bid farewell to retiring commissioner David Stern as Stern announced the final pick of the first round.