Nigerian basketball icon Hakeem Olajuwon has disclosed that some of the NBA’s biggest names, including the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, personally approached him for mentorship to refine their unparalleled basketball skills. Olajuwon shared these insights in a CNN interview with correspondent Larry Madowo, aired on November 9, 2026, where he discussed his extensive post-retirement role in coaching the league’s elite.
The Unexpected Call for Expertise
The former Houston Rockets center, a two-time NBA champion, revealed he never intended to become a professional mentor. Instead, the superstars themselves initiated contact. "I didn’t plan that, they reached out to me. From LeBron, Kobe, Wembyama, Giannis," Olajuwon stated.
He pinpointed Kobe Bryant as the player who first sought his specialized training. Olajuwon recounted how the legendary Los Angeles Lakers star contacted him during a summer to learn some of his iconic post moves. Olajuwon admitted his surprise at Bryant’s request, given the Lakers star’s already immense talent. "They wanted to come down and work out with me. I said they was kidding. I said, because I said, Kobe, you got everything. You are Kobe. Right," he recalled. Despite Olajuwon’s initial disbelief, Bryant was insistent on mastering "The Dream’s" signature techniques.
Refining Talent: Olajuwon’s Coaching Philosophy
Olajuwon emphasized that his training sessions with these modern-day greats transcended basic basketball fundamentals. His focus shifted to helping them identify and exploit scoring advantages. "So we’re not talking about basics now. We just talking about how to create opportunities. And these guys are so athletic when they get that, they get any space, bam," he explained.
- Victor Wembanyama: With the French San Antonio Spurs center, Olajuwon’s guidance centered on maximizing Wembanyama’s exceptional height and technical abilities. "First of all, you know, you look at how to leverage it. You have the height advantage, you have the skill. How do you leverage it to the max?" Olajuwon noted.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek-Nigerian Milwaukee Bucks forward received tailored instruction aimed at enhancing his finishing prowess and court spacing. "I enjoy working with this guy’s skill, how to finish, how to create space and dunk," said Olajuwon, acknowledging their shared Nigerian heritage.
Hakeem Olajuwon: A Legacy of Greatness
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 21, 1963, Hakeem Olajuwon carved out an illustrious 18-season NBA career, primarily with the Houston Rockets, after being the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. His accolades include two NBA championships (1994, 1995), two Finals MVP awards, one NBA Most Valuable Player award (1994), two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and 12 All-Star selections. A 2008 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, he also secured an Olympic gold medal with the United States in 1996.
The Mentees: A Look at Their Careers
While Olajuwon did not specify the exact timelines of his mentorship, three of the mentioned players remain active in the NBA, while one’s legacy lives on.
- Kobe Bryant: The five-time NBA champion and 2008 MVP tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, at the age of 41. He played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
- LeBron James: Currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, having joined the franchise for the 2026-27 season after his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, boasting four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and four Finals MVP honors.
- Victor Wembanyama: The 22-year-old French international center for the San Antonio Spurs, selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has already secured the NBA Rookie of the Year award, two All-Star selections, and the Defensive Player of the Year award.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek international, whose parents are Nigerian, now plays for the Miami Heat, following a move from the Milwaukee Bucks. He is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, an NBA champion, a Finals MVP, and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020.