Hakeem Olajuwon Quotes

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Basketball is in my blood. It is my obligation to try.

All these boundaries – Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America – are set by men. But you don’t have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man – at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader?