Olajuwon, Hakeem (1963- ), Nigerian-born professional basketball player, acclaimed for his defensive abilities, and considered one of the greatest centers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 7 ft (2.1 m) tall, Olajuwon developed a highly athletic style of play, showing remarkable quickness and mobility unusual for players of his height. In the 1980s and 1990s he consistently ranked among the NBA leaders in shot blocking, rebounding, and scoring.

 Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon played soccer and team handball when he was young. He was introduced to basketball as a teenager and soon joined the Nigerian national basketball team. Olajuwon enrolled at the University of Houston in 1980 and helped lead the school’s basketball team to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament