As the University of Houston Cougars battle for an NCAA title tonight against Florida, a familiar figure from the program’s past is back in the spotlight. Hakeem Olajuwon, the Nigerian-born basketball star who went from soccer fields to NBA stardom, has returned to where his American basketball journey began.
The 7-foot Hall of Famer led Houston to back-to-back national title games in 1983 and 1984, but never won it all. Now he’s in the stands as today’s Cougars try to finish what his “Phi Slama Jama” teams started. After a viral moment when security briefly stopped him from entering the court following Houston’s semifinal win over Duke, Olajuwon’s presence has served as a reminder of the program’s history.
The Dream Returns to Houston’s Basketball Stage
Olajuwon appeared on College GameDay ahead of the title game, drawing attention from fans who remember his college years. His teams came up short—losing to NC State in 1983 and Georgetown in 1984—but they helped put Houston basketball on the map.
Current players like J’Wan Roberts have learned from Olajuwon, who’s shared advice on post moves and defense. After the semifinal win, coach Kelvin Sampson hugged Olajuwon and called him “my man,” a moment that bridged the Cougars’ past and present.
From Phi Slama Jama to NBA Dominance
Olajuwon didn’t start playing basketball until he was 15, growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. Two years later, he arrived at the University of Houston, where he joined Clyde Drexler to form “Phi Slama Jama,” one of college basketball’s most exciting teams.
The Houston Rockets drafted Olajuwon first overall in 1984, ahead of Michael Jordan. He went on to win back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995 and remains the only player to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP in the same season.
He finished his 18-year NBA career with 26,946 points, 13,747 rebounds and an NBA-record 3,830 blocks. He was a 12-time All-Star and earned six All-NBA First Team honors.
Since retiring in 2002, Olajuwon has worked in real estate and mentored players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. He still lives in Houston, where his No. 34 jersey hangs in the rafters and a statue stands outside the Toyota Center.
KEEP READING: How Kelvin Sampson Turned Houston Into a Contender
Tonight, as Houston chases its first national title, Olajuwon’s presence is a nod to how far the program has come—and the role he played in getting it there.
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