I've been wondering, since it's Ramadan this month for Muslims, about how Hakeem fasted during the NBA season? Shootaround and Practices are usually always during the day, so how could he manage to participate in them without needing something to drink? Also, if there was an afternoon game, I've heard that he still would play in them without drinking water at all. That's just amazing to me. Maybe his minutes were reduced during those games? It must have been tough for him to adjust to all the time differences whenever he was on the road, to figure out when he could break his fast. So how good would he play in those afternoon games during Ramadan? and also during any regular game at night, since he would probably break his fast and then play in games right after.
As I remember, there was an article about this way back when and it did say that he sure didn't feel that great while he was playing and fasting at the same time.
I remember him playing well, even when he was fasting. He would do his afternoon prayers at half time, if I'm not mistaken. However, I can't remember if he played while fasting in playoff games-- in the 90s though... No clue about 80's
Dream in the later years was a strict follower of Islam so yeah, he would play during fast. Makes it even more amazing.
To be honest I would hate it when Ramadan was in season because he would be very tired and winded. There were times the Rockets org provided a Oxygen tank at the bench for him. The skills he was displaying while fasting were something to behold. I cannot stand today's players with small injuries insisting they be off for weeks. 90's and 80's were a time of great big men we probably will never see again. I miss Hakeem and while I know there might never be another center like him I wish that before I die we can see a specimen like that again.
Just to add for the young bucks in this forum to buy yourself a couple of the seasons (preferably the championship season) to see what kind of machine Hakeem was. He was just incredible.. You owe to yourself as a Rocket Fan to see what the greatest of Rockets was able to do on the court. Just check out my sig and that is just but a small sample to his profound skill.
I seem to recall that statistically he improved during Ramadam, but it would take some major detective work to prove or disprove. I also recall that he allowed himself small sips of water during the day.
He did play well during his fast. I believe he did consume something though, it wasn't a strict fast. May have just been water though? He was noticeably tired during the fast, especially when he went to the bench. But it never impacted his performance.
He fasted stricly as far as I know and when it would come time to break fast he would which I think he did during halftime or during a break
It is pretty amazing to do that. I tried to fast and play but thats almost impossible, very, very hard to achieve. I know some professionals wouldn't play or quit fast just to play or fast but Hakeem did both, that's amazing.
I thought it was something like putting water in his mouth, letting it absorb and spitting it out before break ended.
that would technically break the fast then. if he was doing that, he might as well have not fasted and made up the days after Ramadan
I recall that as well The Fasting . . while I am not a Muslim nor do I claim to speak for them was very Clensing for Hakeem . . .as I recall He would lose like 10 LBs and when it was over seemed to be even more energetic . .. it seemed to help him with the playoff Push Maybe my recollections are that of a Rambling old man but Hakeem seem to get stronger and better as the season progressed Rocket River
January 19, 1997 http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9804E5D8133BF933A15752C0A961958260 32 points 16 rebounds 5 blocks 4 steals 4 assists no water
Ironically, the 2000 hardwood classic game on NBA TV that just ended showed Hakeem playing during Ramadan as well...
