Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hakeem Olajuwon: Nigerian freak thanks Lagos-born legend for training

Giannis Antetokounmpo recently worked out with NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon. - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hakeem Olajuwon: Nigerian freak thanks Lagos-born legend for training

Tosin Abayomi 18:15 - 25.09.2023

Nigerian freak Giannis Antetokounmpo thanks Lagos-born legend Hakeem Olajuwon for training ahead of the 2023/24 NBA season.

Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo is back in the spotlight.

The 28-year-old star for the Milwaukee Bucks has given an important update ahead of the start of the 2023/24 NBA season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo appreciates Hakeem Olajuwon

Antetokounmpo recently worked out with NBA great Hakeem Olajuwon.

The NBA superstar talked about working out with Olajuwon on a podcast and finally made the trip to Houston to get the workout done.

He took to his official social media platforms to show off pictures of his workout with Olajuwon.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will aim to get better and will involve one of the greatest players in history in Hakeem Olajuwon - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo will aim to get better and will involve one of the greatest players in history in Hakeem Olajuwon - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo

Along with the photos was a message that said, "I enjoy being a student of the game.

"Learn, respect, and appreciate greatness. Thank you Hakeem 34."

Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about working out with Olajuwon on a podcast and finally made the trip to Houston to get the workout done. - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about working out with Olajuwon on a podcast and finally made the trip to Houston to get the workout done. - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hakeem Olajuwon explained

After a visit to Lagos, Nigerian Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo explains looking up to Hakeem Olajuwon and plans to train with the Lagos-born Legend.

Although Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been among the NBA's finest players, it is well-known that he is constantly striving to get better.

Giannis Antetokounmpo took to his official social media platforms to show off pictures of his workout with Hakeem Olajuwon. Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo took to his official social media platforms to show off pictures of his workout with Hakeem Olajuwon. Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek professional basketball player of Nigerian descent will aim to get better and will involve one of the greatest players in history

On the 48 Minutes podcast, Antetokounmpo discussed his intentions to travel to Houston in the months before the 2023–24 season to train with former American professional basketball player of Nigerian descent Hakeem Olajuwon.

In the interview, Antetokounmpo was compared to Olajuwon because they both wear the number 34 jersey and are of Nigerian descent.

Antetokounmpo was compared to Olajuwon because they both wear the number 34 jersey and are of Nigerian descent. - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo was compared to Olajuwon because they both wear the number 34 jersey and are of Nigerian descent. - Instagram/Giannis Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo was born to Nigerian parents in Greece while Olajuwon was born in Lagos but moved abroad.

Despite their Nigerian connection, Antetokoumpo plays for the Greece national team while Olajuwon who was born in Lagos decided to play for the American national team.

Giannis who recently visited Nigeria with his mother stated that he looked up to Olajuwon.

Only three players in NBA history have earned both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same campaign, with Antetokounmpo and Olajuwon being two of those along with Michael Jordan.

Giannis hinted to his first trip to Nigeria when he celebrated his father's Poverty Is No Joke campaign with Hasan Minhaj, an American comedian, political commentator, and actor.
Giannis hinted to his first trip to Nigeria when he celebrated his father's Poverty Is No Joke campaign with Hasan Minhaj, an American comedian, political commentator, and actor.

Hakeem Olajuwon criticized for charging 40 million naira ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo's training

Olajuwon was been called out because of the huge amount he charged for his training sessions.

Olajuwon regarded as one of the best players the NBA has produced is in the news but this time, he's being trolled for the exorbitant fees he charges.

The former Houston Rockets great and a member of the Hall of Fame is a well-sought-after personality because of his training sessions, which produce impressive results.

In the photos, Giannis the 2021 NBA Finals MVP is spotted with his mother, Veronica Antetokounmpo in Lagos
In the photos, Giannis the 2021 NBA Finals MVP is spotted with his mother, Veronica Antetokounmpo in Lagos

Olajuwon is one of the best two-way players in NBA history. He was so good that his jersey number was retired by both Houston Rockets and the University of Houston.

Given that he had success in the NBA more recently than other great centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain, many even consider him to be the best center of all time.

The success of Hakeem Olajuwon's big-man camp, which professional athletes like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have previously attended, has taken on a legendary quality.

Hakeem Olajuwon is regarded as the best basketball product born in Nigeria
Hakeem Olajuwon is regarded as the best basketball product born in Nigeria

Many players have spent their summers working out with Hakeem because of the improvements in their games they experienced after that camp.

Olajuwon is a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection ranks ninth in steals and is the all-time leader in blocked shots.

On the 48 Minutes podcast, Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed his intentions to travel to Houston to train with Nigerian legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Image Credit - Imago
On the 48 Minutes podcast, Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed his intentions to travel to Houston to train with Nigerian legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Image Credit - Imago

Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA player, says that Hakeem demands $50,000 approximately 40 million naira for each training session.

Given the size of current NBA contracts, Arenas claims that it is Hakeem's method of increasing his earnings.

Giannis drives to the basket well but Olajuwon is one of the best to play with his back to the basket known for his post-up moves and footwork.

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