[NBA.com] Olajuwon gives today's players a dream tutorial on footwork

EbolaScola · Apr 19, 2012

Always nice to hear about the Dream. Click the link for the full article and some video clips.

...The late Pete Newell, legendary for teaching the fundamentals of the game, once described Olajuwon's moves as: "The best footwork I have ever seen from a big man."

After beginning with a few private tutoring sessions for then-Bobcats rookie center Emeka Okafor in the summer of 2005, Olajuwon's tutorials have expanded to include forwards and guards. In recent offseasons, a diverse list that includes Bryant, Howard, James, Rashard Lewis, Josh Smith, Marcin Gortat, Garret Siler, DeSagana Diop, D.J. Mbenga and Luol Deng have traveled to Houston to attend the so-called "Dream School."

He lives primarily in Amman, Jordan, with his family, but returns frequently to Houston to tend to business interests and extend a hand to the NBA's next generation. He doesn't charge for his time and he sends each of his pupils home with video of their sessions.

"I was a little bit surprised at how much I liked it at first," Olajuwon said. "I have never had any real interest in a becoming a traditional coach with the travel and the clipboard and being tied to a schedule. But I figured if these players wanted to come to me and I could pass a few things along, then everyone benefits. What interests me is showing some of today's players how they can take their game to a higher level.

"Their recognizing the importance of the post moves, that's a huge compliment for me. And I know also that I can add value to players' careers. There is no question about that."...
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http://www.nba.com/2012/news/featur...won-teaching-footwork-to-nba-stars/index.html

Rockets Jones · Apr 19, 2012

Serious question, has it helped any player significantly? I mean, I've not seen a player become better after working with Olajuwon. There's only so much you can learn in a few hours / days is what I'm saying. He was great but you cannot convince me a few hours with Olajuwon will do wonders for these guys' game.

EbolaScola · Apr 19, 2012

Rockets Jones said: ↑

Serious question, has it helped any player significantly? I mean, I've not seen a player become better after working with Olajuwon. There's only so much you can learn in a few hours / days is what I'm saying. He was great but you cannot convince me a few hours with Olajuwon will do wonders for these guys' game.
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I totally agree, but I'm guessing he teaches them a few specific moves, and it's up to them to practice and perfect it on their own if they choose to.

tinman · Apr 19, 2012

Tupac and Dream in the same article. This is real.

It may not be as dramatic of a special effect as the late Tupac showing up on stage as a hologram at Coachella. But if you press your nose to your TV screen and look carefully when the 2012 playoffs begin, you might detect a different kind of blast from the past.
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T_Man · Apr 19, 2012

EbolaScola said: ↑

I totally agree, but I'm guessing he teaches them a few specific moves, and it's up to them to practice and perfect it on their own if they choose to.
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I second this....

basso · Apr 19, 2012

tinman said: ↑

Tupac and Dream in the same article. This is real.

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and Cheech Marin, judging by the pic.

magnetik · Apr 19, 2012

basso said: ↑

and Cheech Marin, judging by the pic.
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probably an indian version. lol I do see Bobby Petrino however. :grin:

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