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?
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.
I've now been in this country for thirteen years, since I was seventeen. So this is my second home.
My life is very simple. I like simplicity and for my time to be my own, so that I have the freedom to devote the majority of it to Islam.
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.
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.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.
Hakeem Olajuwon's nickname is "Hakeem the Dream".
Hakeem Olajuwon won both the NBA Season MVP and Finals MVP in 1994. He also won the Finals MVP in 1995.
Hakeem Olajuwon played for the Houston Rockets from 1984-2001, and the Toronto Raptors in 2001-2002.
Hakeem Olajuwon played college basketball at the University of Houston.
Hakeem Olajuwon's primary position is playing center.
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