Hakeem Olajuwon Biography: Former Team, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Salary, Wife, Children, Awards

Hakeem Olajuwon is a retired professional basketball player renowned for his exceptional skills as a centre in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, he significantly impacted the sport during his illustrious career.

Olajuwon gained fame for leading the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, showcasing his remarkable footwork and post moves, particularly his signature “Dream Shake.”

His combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ made him one of the most dominant players of his era.

Profile

• Full name: Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon
• Nickname: The Dream
• Date of birth: January 21, 1963
• Age: 62 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian-American
• Profession: Former professional basketball player
• Height: 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm)
• Parents: Abibatu Mogaji (mother)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Dalia Asafi (m. 1996)
• Children: Rahma Olajuwon, Aisha Olajuwon, Abdullah Olajuwon
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: African-American/Nigerian
• Net worth: $300 million

Early Life and Education

Hakeem Olajuwon, born January 21, 1963, is now 62. He grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where he developed an early interest in sports. His mother is Abibatu Mogaji.

Initially focused on soccer, he transitioned to basketball during his teenage years. Olajuwon moved to the United States to attend the University of Houston, where he played college basketball from 1981 to 1984.

While at Houston, he led the team to three consecutive NCAA Final Fours and was named an All-American. After graduating with a degree in Physical Education, Olajuwon declared for the NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in 1984.

Personal Life

Hakeem Olajuwon married Dalia Asafi in 1996. The couple has three children together: two daughters named Rahma and Aisha and a son named Abdullah.

Throughout his career and after retirement, Olajuwon has maintained a relatively private personal life while remaining active in philanthropic efforts and community service.

Career

Olajuwon’s professional career began when he was drafted by the Houston Rockets as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier centres. He averaged impressive statistics over his career with the Rockets (1984-2002), including 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.

His most notable achievements include leading the Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning NBA Finals MVP honours both times. In addition to his two championships, Olajuwon won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1994 and was selected to the All-Star Game 12 times.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2002, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.

Awards

• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2008)
• FIBA Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1994)
• 2× NBA Champion (1994, 1995)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1994, 1995)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1991–1997; 2000)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1993)

Net worth

Hakeem Olajuwon’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. He has accumulated wealth through his successful NBA career, endorsements, business ventures, and investments.

Social Media

• Instagram: @hakeemolajuwon
• Twitter: N/A