Olajuwon Quotes

When you get to that level, it's not a matter of talent anymore - because all the players are so talented - it's about preparation, about playing smart and making good decisions. - Hakeem Olajuwon

When I watch NBA games now on TV, what I see the most are opportunities for the big men that they are not taking advantage of. That's what I told Tim Duncan when I saw him this year at the Finals in San Antonio. When you go into the lane and they take away the jump hook, just reverse pivot. The baseline is there. - Hakeem Olajuwon

When I look at the system here and look at my position - not just as a basketball player, but when I look around me at the values of the people and the culture and compare them with the values of where I came from - I feel so blessed to be from Africa. - Hakeem Olajuwon

My background playing soccer gave me a natural advantage over many of the American-born players. - Hakeem Olajuwon

I've now been in this country for thirteen years, since I was seventeen. So this is my second home. - Hakeem Olajuwon

If he makes the shot, we don't end up in the coin flip for Olajuwon. Because we had gotten Ralph the previous year, maybe a little bit of jealousy around the league led to a lot of the speculation about the fact that the Rockets were really doing bad. - Jim Foley

I remember at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Shaq always wanted me to show him steps over and over. - Hakeem Olajuwon

I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention. - Hakeem Olajuwon

I always keep a ball in the car. You never know. - Hakeem Olajuwon

Being from Africa is the best thing that could have ever, ever happened to me. I cannot see it any other way. All of my fundamental principles that were instilled in me in my home, from my childhood, are still with me. - Hakeem Olajuwon