Hakeem Olajuwon Worldwide Effect Essay

Chase Sumner 7G

Ms Gallagher/ Mr. Kirsch

L.A. / Social Studies

16 May 2014

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Worldwide Effect

In the United States, it is 23,528 times more likely for someone to die from obesity than terrorism (“You’re More Likely to…”). Terrorist attacks, such as 9/11, have given Muslims the stereotype of being horrible people who cause mass destruction. This stereotype adds a burden to all Muslims’ life. Some Muslims are the opposite of this stereotype. One example of this is a man born on January 21, 1963 (Bethel). This man made a difference in our world through basketball. His name was Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. Hakeem Olajuwon’s introduction to basketball allowed him to become an NBA legend, a more devout Muslim, and a coach to many of today’s basketball superstars. As a youth, Olajuwon predominantly played handball and soccer (Bethel). He was raised as a Muslim in Lagos, Nigeria. Today, 45% of Nigeria’s population is Muslim (Kapit). Islam is a religion that’s foundation is based on the messages received by Muhammad in the 600’s AD. Muhammad was born in 570 AD in Mecca. Muhammad is God’s messenger in the Muslim faith. Muslims believe that Muhammad was visited in a cave by an angel and the angel said, “Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created man from clots of blood! Recite! Your Lord is the most bountiful one; who by the pen taught man what he did not know” (Salter 172). Olajuwon ended up setting a good example for Muslims on how to live this faith.

Hakeem Olajuwon was introduced to basketball at a late age. Ganiga Otenigbade, the head basketball coach at Lagos State University, introduced basketball to Hakeem Olajuwon (“Hakeem Olajuwon”). Without Gangia Otenbigade, Hakeem Olajuwon would not be k...

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...nway). In fact, when Olajuwon was at Bryant’s game, Bryant kept staring at Olajuwon after he scored. Olajuwon translated as Bryant saying, “I’m using what you taught me. That was the greatest gift for me. It was wonderful” (Conway). LeBron James received training on post moves from Olajuwon also. This improvement in his post game played a key role in the Miami Heat winning the 2012 NBA Finals (Conway). Even though retired, Olajuwon still has an effect on the NBA.

Hakeem Olajuwon has affected the whole world. He has provided an example for Muslims and how to fast. He is the opposite of the stereotype that Muslims are terrible people. He has been a mentor to many of the future NBA legends. He has shown that international basketball players can play basketball the way it is played in the United States. Hakeem Olajuwon’s basketball career has had a worldwide effect.