Dream The life and legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon

Fader (Giannis), a staff writer for the Ringer, delivers a serviceable biography of Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon, "the first true international superstar in the NBA." Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, in the 1960s and '70s, Olajuwon played "every sport except basketball," only picking up the game at the encouragement of a high school coach who recognized the six-foot-eight 16-year-old's potential. Despite Olajuwon's late start, his athleticism, determination, and height were a winning combination, and he earned a spot on the University of Houston's team in 1980. His impressive college career convinced the Houston Rockets to select him as the first pick in the 1984 NBA draft, a choice that paid off when Olajuwon led the team to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. Fader offers a smart assessment of Olajuwon's approach to playing center, suggesting he operated "like a guard, using his quickness, creativity, and mobility to outsmart taller opponents." Covering Olajuwon's life off the court, Fader describes how he reconnected with his Islamic faith in the late 1990s after becoming disillusioned with the materialism of his peers. Unfortunately, Fader doesn't provide much psychological insight into Olajuwon, struggling to make sense of his quick temper and offering few details on his personal relationships. The result is a robust account of Olajuwon's legendary basketball career that leaves his personal life frustratingly out of focus. Agent: Anthony Mattero, CAA. (Oct.)

Straightforward, no-frills biography of Nigerian basketball player Hakeem "the Dream" Olajuwon. From Olajuwon's beginnings as an athletic, competitive handball and soccer player in Lagos, Nigeria, to his time with the University of Houston playing for the Cougars, to his storied career with the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors, to his easygoing retirement on the Jordan mountainside, readers are provided many pertinent details about one man's personal journey from an unwieldy, erratic upstart to a pious, well-respected leader both in basketball and in the Muslim community. Olajuwon, who spent a good portion of his career being called "Akeem," was an icon not only because of his stellar game play (he perfected what was called "the Dream Shake," his signature move) and his impressive height (roughly 6'10") but primarily because he proved that a sports star can be proud of his heritage, nationality, and religious beliefs while entertaining crowds around the world in what was once traditionally considered an all-American game. Fader is effective in the early chapters, which have a documentary feel similar to that of ESPN's30 for 30 series combined with Leo Gast'sWhen We Were Kings; we are shown how Africa, a continent generally stereotyped as struggling, has a rich culture with resource-rich countries and talented peoples. Fader efficiently portrays Olajuwon maturing from a young rabble-rouser who punched players and referees into a caregiver and guide for novice players just starting out. The best parts of the biography chronicle his multiple accomplishments and accolades: back-to-back championships, MVP wins, participation as a Nigerian American for Team USA in the Olympics, impossible comebacks from multiple injuries and illnesses, endorsement deals, etc. Fader falters somewhat in writing about the games themselves, so exciting to Olajuwon and to all those who experienced watching him, but curiously flat in her descriptions. Stronger as a portrait of an influential figure than as an exciting piece of sportswriting. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.