"The spin is the key" - Hakeem Olajuwon explains why the spin move is the most lethal low post trick

Success in the low block isn’t just achieved through brute force and God-given abilities. It is an art and a science mastered through repetition and a conscious mental effort to improve.

This is the mantra that Hakeem Olajuwon lives by, especially during his playing days. While he stood seven feet and was more agile than most big men, “The Dream” did not rely on these physical gifts. Rather, he constantly thought of ways to master his craft.

The secret weapon

The Houston Rockets legend knew he would face foes taller and faster than him. This is the reality of playing in the NBA or other top-tier professional leagues. In his constant duels against these world-class athletes, the Hall of Famer discovered a move that could counter their skill and size.

"I'm facing a 7-footer who's agile and blocks shots," Olajuwon said, per Sports Illustrated . "How am I going to shoot over him? I can't. How am I going to freeze him? I need moves and counters off those moves to get my shot off. The spin is the key. Everything I teach is based off the spin."

Those who watched Olajuwon in his prime saw how the Rockets icon abused matchups with this lethal spin move. It seemed that he was keen on unleashing it every chance he got. However, the 1994 NBA MVP revealed that he only unveiled his signature move depending on what the defense gave him .

“If you play me that way [without contact], I’m just gonna [spin normally and] shoot the ball. [If] You’ve got to make contact… Once I feel your hand [touching my back], I’m just gonna roll off [with a quick spin]. And you can’t move. Once I feel that…Bam! You would tell me where to go. I would take whatever you give me,” Hakeem once said .

Passing it on

After he retired, the two-time NBA Champion did not stash his secrets inside a box. He shared all of his tricks with players who were willing to learn. Some of his students were Kobe Bryant , LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Amar'e Stoudemire, and JaVale McGee.

Out of all his pupils, Kobe was the best and the one who truly applied the lessons on the floor. In the latter part of his career, as he began to lose some athleticism, the Black Mamba frequently worked from the post. Like Hakeem, Bryant utilized the spin move, which played a key role in securing two additional NBA Championships.

For the last couple of years, "The Dream" has been working with promising young Rockets center Alperen Sengun . Right out of the gates, the Turkish big man has been impressing old heads and fans with his uncanny passing and playmaking.

Since he started working with Hakeem, Sengun ’s offensive prowess has drastically improved. From averaging 14.8 points in his sophomore year, the 2021 Basketbol Süper Ligi MVP averaged 21.1 points last season. Now in his fourth year, analysts expect Alperen to blossom into an even greater player. Once he masters Olajuwon’s spin move, he could reach unprecedented heights and possibly play a pivotal role in reviving the young and promising squad.

Related: Former NBA coach claims Moses Malone shaped Hakeem Olajuwon into the great center: "That's something Malone doesn't get credit for"