In 1996, Hakeem Olajuwon was blessed to obtain a golden opportunity to finally play under the bright lights of the world's biggest sporting event. In an unprecedented move, FIBA granted him eligibility to play for the United States three years after obtaining citizenship. And as the Summer Games in Atlanta was fast approaching, he couldn't be more honored to ultimately accept the invitation of the nation's basketball program to rep the Stars and Stripes and win a gold medal that'll complete his illustrious legacy.
While he was beaming with pride about achieving his dream of playing in the Olympics, the 'Dream' openly admitted that his intention to join and participate with the Americans didn't initially sit well in his native soil.
"When I became a U.S. citizen, there were some people in Nigeria who criticized me," Olajuwon said . "But I've been here over 10 years, my home is in Houston and a lot of family is in the United States."
"It was just natural. I'm still a Nigerian, and I'm proud of it, but I'm a U.S. citizen."
Hakeem took his shot
Olajuwon was born and raised in Nigeria, but he found a home and success when he moved to America. During his youth, Hakeem already managed to play for Nigeria. Before his U.S. arrival, the 'Dream' seized his first taste of international competition by suiting for the country's junior team in the All-Africa Games back in 1980. But at that time, he wasn't a basketball phenomenon as a young and skinny 17-year-old kid.
No one hardly envisioned that Hakeem would eventually become an all-time great at that point. But after he migrated to the US, his meteoric rise started unfolding for the Houston Cougars. And as he finally transformed into an NBA superstar equipped with all the tools to dominate for the Rockets, Olajuwon couldn't be more willing to continue representing Nigeria. Unfortunately, no pleas came from his motherland, convincing him to settle and consider playing for America instead.
Hakeem understood the confusion around his countrymen. Although gratified by his full heritage as a Nigerian, he wouldn't dare to forfeit the chances of his new nationality as an American by being a part of the Dream Team III.
"This adds another special gift to my career," Olajuwon said . "When I was a kid, I dream of playing in the Olympics. This is like a crown on my career. You couldn't write a script any better than this."
Two in one
Albeit wearing a blue and white jersey with 'USA' embedded on the chest, it didn't stop Hakeem from at least representing two nations in the 1996 Olympics. He formed a triple tower frontline alongside Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson, anchoring Team USA's formidable identity.
Olajuwon played seven games across the men's basketball tourney, averaging 5.0 points, 3.1 boards, and 1.1 assists for 12.4 minutes of play. He and the rest of Team USA went on to defend the crown by winning the gold medal in a dominating fashion.
He might've played for the Americans at one point, but Hakeem will always maintain that love, loyalty, and acknowledgment in his Nigerian roots—an aspect that has kept him celebrated as the nation's greatest athlete until today.
Related: Hakeem Olajuwon spills the secret behind the Rockets’ 1994 championship: “It’s not his team, it’s our team”
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