Quotes from Hakeem Olajuwon

I always keep a ball in the car. You never know.

My type of basketball is about how to create space, how to maneuver, how to get your shot off.

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.

God comes first. Paradise is not cheap.

I've now been in this country for thirteen years, since I was seventeen. So this is my second home.

Basketball is in my blood. It is my obligation to try.

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.

The most important thing in a person's life is his faith and how he translates his faith into practical deeds.

Allah says in the Qur'an not to despise one another. So the criterion in Islam is not color or social status. It's who is most righteous. If I go to a mosque - and I'm a basketball player with money and prestige - if I go to a mosque and see an imam, I feel inferior. He's better than me. It's about knowledge.

Sports plays an interesting role in society. The greatest sportsmen have platforms to speak out on issues and really affect how the public thinks about some very critical issues facing the world.

I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. I saw all these blessings God had given me. The way to give thanks is obedience to God.

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.

I'm the kind of person who always wants more. I was successful materially, but I know life is much more than worldly success. I saw all these blessings God had given me. The way to give thanks is obedience to God.

The difference must be distinguished between worship and respect. Islam orders you to obey and respect, as long as you are not worshiping anything other than God... Islam is a religion of peace. You don't attack. You explain.

I love fashion as much as I love basketball! It is a great joy for me to express myself through designing my own collection.

I'm shy, but sometimes my voice is so clear and strong.

My background playing soccer gave me a natural advantage over many of the American-born players.

I'm the kind of person who always wants more.

The key to fashion is, you don't want to look like you're trying. You've gotta be natural.

I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention.

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?

I remember at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Shaq always wanted me to show him steps over and over.

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 always keep a ball in the car. You never know.