The REAL Secret To Hakeem Olajuwon's Game

Special thanks to sponsor Ridge Wallet. www.ridge.com/... use code BBALL for 10% off your order.
While everyone can agree that Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the all time greats, most might not be able to identify exactly what he did on the court that made him such a dominant scorer. Coach Nick breaks down in detail the keys to his game and what needs to be taught more to bring back the post up.
#HakeemOlajuwon #HoustonRockets
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ABOUT BBALLBREAKDOWN
BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. If you're a coach or a player, check out the MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP - filled with an ever growing library of on court demos designed to help you improve your play and your coaching! Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.

[@bballbreakdown]

Please check out the wallets from Ridge! Plus, they have really cool backpacks - I use their all the time for my laptop and it's awesome. www.ridge.com/BBALL use code BBALL for 10% off your order.

[@dektran4843]

HAKEEM ADAPTED JOHANN CRUYFF'S CRUYFF TURN TO BASKETBALL

[@tyreefreeman7450]

I don’t get the thumbnail

[@mrbr3711]

@@dektran4843 source bro

[@chasam1]

Coach thanks for the video. Could you do another Dream video about his defense please.

[@itz_akuma]

Unfortunately . Modern players don’t have the thirst to be that dominant and disciplined in the paint. You had to respect his shot. You had to respect his lay up ability.... so you also had to respect the pump fakes. You have to have a truly, well rounded game to get off these shots. Because he has so much in his arsenal..... not even a scouting report can contain him. His moves are so situational, so abstract. Like basketball should be. Tbh

[@jeffdorego9530]

The only player to win Season MVP, Finals MVP, NBA Championship, Defensive player of the year, all of this in one year.

[@s_ame1135]

Talking about dominating the game.

[@coolahdre6305]

MJ Did It

[@jump25ontoast]

CoolAh Dre not all in the same year

[@quikdeath100]

Willis Reed came very close in 1970 season mvp, all star game mvp, Finals mvp, 1st team all defense

[@carterbilbro4615]

Jeff Dorego leBron robbed

[@shevcenko007]

It’s a shame Hakeem never gets the respect he earned when discussions about the best bigs ever occur. In his prime, he was flawless. Could guard bigs, wings and switch on to guards. Could spot up from mid-range. He could rebound, defend the rim and had the best post game of any player ever. The only player in NBA history to win the NBA MVP, DPOY, and Finals MVP in the same season and recorded quadruple-double twice in less than a month! Hakeem Olajuwon - the most complete center of all time and arguably the greatest center of all time.

[@nathanielperryii296]

I think Hakeem gets his due. I mean he's the only center that has guards going to him for advice on footwork. Honestly for me it's 1. Wilt 2. Kareem 3. Hakeem 4. Shaq 5. Moses

[@jdapaul1351]

I agree. In terms of championships, if it wasn't for Jordan, Hakeem would've had more rings. I'd say he'd tie Shaq. My top 5 centers: 1. Hakeem 2. Shaq 3. Wilt 4. Kareem 5. Russell

[@SupereagleChannel]

The average basketball fan probably doesnt know about him, but all the players and the above average fan treat him as a legend. Bottom line is people who understand the game no is up there with the basketball gods.

[@drift2557]

David Paulo Hakeem above Kareem??

[@nathanielperryii296]

@@jdapaul1351 Hakeem definitely would have the same number of rings. Jordan played the Jazz twice, the Lakers, Phoenix, Portland, and Supersonics.

[@kenmdoe2388]

Another smooth transition into the damn advertisement 😂💯

[@lakersphan]

Facts, I'm high as hell right now that shit had me tweaking brodie

[@johnwells6486]

Used to be able to guess when they'd be coming up but Coach been so smooth with the transitions I quit trying awhile ago

[@Guacamully]

@Terry S DAMN that's a long time hahah

[@storiestotell]

You hear that

[@OnYourSquare]

The "Dream shake" was the Big Man's "killer crossover".

[@claypro5046]

But Hakeem actually had a crossover move also....

[@thatahkabdul]

Y'all DON'T EVEN KNOW!! Even SHAQ says Hakeem is the best big man of all time

[@bigtravis6159]

Dream shake , Ya mean Illigal pivot foot move ,

[@claypro5046]

@@bigtravis6159 False the foot stayed down during the entire shake unless when he did the fade away and picked up both feet simultaneously..... stop hating on shit you don't understand

[@jhariclark2319]

@Vendetta damn, u dumb. sorry for judging, but that's not true.

[@camerondawes1898]

It really amazes me that since Hakeem no one has been able to expand on his amazing post play. One of the most unstoppable inside scorers ever and no one really seemed to try to emulate. It’s similar to how no one other than Kareem uses the skyhook.

[@raymundofigueroa2770]

Well Joel Embiid tried to emulate Hakeem but nowhere as fluent as Hakeem

[@badxgrass]

@@raymundofigueroa2770 He tried to, he's just really not as agile as Hakeem. There are some flashes of brilliance from Joel, but the fluidity and footwork of Hakeem is other-worldly.

[@franciscoduran4618]

My guess is that it's because of the level of difficulty. Not only do you have to master footwork, you need to develop a real awareness of where the defender will be, you need to become an accurate mid-range shooter, you gotta know how to face up, you need to be proficient with the hoop shot and you need to develop a good set of fakes. I'd say it's a lot more work to duplicate the shake than emulate, for example, the skyhook, Jordan or Dirk's fade away or Iverson's crossover. Still though, it's still a surprise nog more people aren't trying to, if not emulate the dream shake, to at least take elements from it to expand their offensive game. The footwork alone would make a big difference.

[@hectorandem2944]

- Good jumpshots/fadeaways - Good hookshots - Good rebounding - Very fast (as far as centres go) - Excellent defense - Deadly post game - One of the few players to get a quadruple-double Matching Hakeem's versatility is a tall order for any player. To be _undisputably_ better than him, you'd need the near-unguardable offense of Kareem *and* the relentless defense of Mutumbo night in, night out.

[@chasam1]

Nobody can, that's why he's the best center in history

[@lopezlion3164]

Jordan feared the Big African. Sad we never got to see that Finals.

[@SETGONE213]

no he didnt...

[@phxander]

Mateaki Juniior He did lmao

[@crisaracon7379]

Jordan complimented not feared Hakeem.

[@br5073]

KingStepDaddy He didn’t fear anyone. He just highly praised him.

[@nathanielreid5626]

@@br5073 Jordan is overrated and lebron is better than him

[@palimo3653]

Even as a Knick fan and loving Ewing, Olajuwon's game was like watching Jordan play center.

[@jessdatip4152]

That spin move Dream put on Patrick in the 94 playoffs 6:45 is my favorite highlight of his. Respect for Patrick but Dream made Patrick look like he was wearing cinderblock shoes on that play. Dream's move was so fluid and graceful on that play I can watch it on a loop and not get tired of it.

[@ktheai5908]

Thanks for doing the community votes for these videos and making them happen! We all love this.

[@mrgabs6511]

Eat your cereal

[@UnderGun81]

Hakeem is in my starting 5 for sure, not only because of his offense, but his defense was amazing! *Edit:* here's my starting five; Curry, Jordan, Bird, Duncan and Olajuwon.

[@thatahkabdul]

Magic, MJ, Kawhi, Durant, and Hakeem unbeatable

[@Zamppa86]

@@thatahkabdul Magic, MJ, Bird, Barkley and Olajuwon.

[@jamesscully6687]

Magic,mj,bird,Bron, Hakeem

[@michaelgriggs7839]

Kevin Durant would fit better than bird in that list

[@thatahkabdul]

@@Zamppa86 Bird on defense tho

[@dr.murder2690]

He's the best Center ever !! Offensively he had the athleticism and the power but he didn't have to rely only on them cuz he had the skill set as well, Defensively he was a monster rim protector, on the same time his mobility allowed him to switch on perimeter players.. He used to perform better when it mattered most and he has his playoff stats to back it up.. Just imagine if the Rockets were able to give him that star player help before he was goddamn 35. A Rockets Bulls rivaly would've been a thing and I guarantee you MJ wouldn't have been able to get a perfect finals record if that was the case. That's how good Hakeem was man

[@donphares9006]

Jordan's lucky he wasn't the number pick

[@markuscordova2246]

"DiRk iS tHe gReAtEsT iNtErNaTiOnaL pLaYeR oF aLL tiMe" Man, no disrespect to Dirk, but Hakeem is unarguably a top 2 defensive player of all time, with a legendary offensive skillset to back that up. Name another player other than Bill Russell that has the intimidating defensive prowess and skill. And no, Wilt may be a physical beast, but with one fake, you see the guy flailing away from you.

[@nicolasmorales5807]

hakeem play in college and he play for team usa its really hard to say hakeem was "international" when all his basketball knwoledge come from america

[@waysofzen]

Dirk is the best European player of all time. The Dream is the best international player of all time.

[@marcusmatousek33]

"Name another player other than Bill Russell" ...Tim Duncan

[@brianscalabrine2225]

Unarguably top 2 is very false, arguably top 1 or 2 is more approriate

[@yoda112358]

Great video! You should do one on Arvydas Sabonis next, break down some of the pre-NBA footage we have of his game.

[@theper4sho]

PLEASE!!!! SABONIS Would be such a legend if he had a longer NBA career. Early version of Jokic

[@Rokito19]

Yees! My Lithuanian brother!🇱🇹🇱🇹🇱🇹

[@dektran4843]

ARVYDAS AND YAO SUFFERED CAREER ALTERING INJURIES BECAUSE THEY WERE OVERUSED BY THEIR COMMUNIST GOVERNMENTS

[@bballbreakdown]

Damn this is a good idea but I just don’t know if I can find enough footage!!

[@yoda112358]

@@bballbreakdown Then maybe a more general analysis on great passing bigs. You could look at the line from Bill Walton to Sabonis to Jokic.

[@YunisRajab]

Kobe definitely learned it from Hakeem. He worked out with him for a while and his footwork was superb.

[@furryhoof647]

Kobe's footwork looked more like MJ's on alotta his moves, imo. His fades and spinning bank shots look almost identical.

[@gorkajames6475]

The main move that coach describes which is the explosion off of two feet from the post was used by Jordan just as much as Hakeem

[@anthonyclarke2253]

@@gorkajames6475 Hakeem said there are somethings I can do that MJ can't do and things he can do that I can't do.

[@jpleeper4538]

yep - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIKpZJuNmdhgjNk

[@ramsesstafford4640]

@@furryhoof647 I 💯% agree. 👍🏽

[@Eggmancan]

I've definitely seen interviews where Hakeem breaks down the dream shake more clearly, and it's 100% what's described here. He lands with both feet off the catch so he can establish whichever pivot foot he wants to counter/fakeout the defender. Deadly move.

[@dahemper]

I love when Shaquille said he could never get under Hakeem's skin. Shaquille would dunk it on him and Hakeem would respond with haha nice one big man. Hakeem bamboozled other players and was miles ahead in foot work. Can you dig it?

[@CFH1962]

Shaq elbowed him one time, the Dream's response "He he nice elbow brother" That's according to Shaq

[@youtubeaccount123]

It was rumored there was only one thing MJ feared and he luckily never had to face it in the finals: the Ridge Wallet

[@jrbbbb2145]

Luckily hakeem didnt have to face jordan in the finals

[@unbiasvsbias3955]

@@jrbbbb2145 Other way around. And besides, MJ was in the league when Akeem won his 2nd ring.

[@jrbbbb2145]

@@unbiasvsbias3955 where is hakeem when mj was in his first 3peat run? How abt 96-98? There're 6 chances for hakeem to meet mj in the finals, but where is he?

[@unbiasvsbias3955]

@@jrbbbb2145 Same reason MJ failed to show up in '86. Where was he then? Oh right, getting swept without Pippen carrying him off the floor lmao!

[@unbiasvsbias3955]

@@jrbbbb2145 While I have your attention -> "[Jordan] gave our team great respect,” former Rockets head coach Rudy Tomjanovich told The Athletic's Michael Lee on Monday. *“He didn’t think that they could contain Hakeem.* *They just didn’t have the personnel to do it.* And he said he thought we were the team that gave them the most trouble.” Rockets sports a 12-9 edge in head-to-head matchups with the Bulls when MJ admitted this. During those games, Olajuwon averaged 23.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 1.9 steals, and had a 51.3 FG%. Yea, like I said, It's clearly the other way around. Luckily Akeem didn't have anyone near the caliber of a Scottie Pippens until near end of his prime.

[@mpdragon33]

Game recognize game thats why mj give the man his props

[@quentinwooten30]

My favorite big man ever/ he's got that move mcgrady had. When he caught the Ball, he jumped to catch it so that he could choose what foot he wanted to use as his pivot he wanted based on the defense gave him

[@bpdmf2798]

He's my favorite center and one of my favorites all time. Straight up nasty and unparalleled grace.

[@Sizdothyx]

I can't help but notice that Hakeem's placement on the floor has more in common with a wing player's pick and roll positioning more often than not.

[@damiangygli5553]

Yeah I think he would play as PF nowadays... Also I think he would have similarities with kd if he played now

[@Sizdothyx]

@@damiangygli5553 That's a good observation.

[@gorkajames6475]

What is the significance of this

[@foryourpeaceofmindtv9895]

Your right when he came in the league in 84 that was his true position with Sampson at Center but after Sampson got injured in 87 he had to play mainly at center even though he's real height was around 6.10

[@ryanr20091]

@@damiangygli5553 man there is no position hakeem couldnt play thats how great this man potential was . hakeem didnt care about positions he was just a complete basketball player

[@iBeButler]

Along with the awesome basketball insights and analysis, Coach Nick has by far the most seamless segways in to the video sponsor of anyone on KZbin. Excellent video as always, Coach!

[@bballbreakdown]

Thx so much!! 🏀🙏🏀

[@leeswift7883]

Funny how over time after his retirement Hakeem seems to get more & more respect & appreciation. Don't know why it's taken this long, but with this last ad transition - SUBSCRIBED!

[@jasondyrkacz8270]

He was respected during his career too. If MJ was Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hakeem was the Undertaker.

[@tdvu]

Remember folks, MJ the GOAT chose Hakeem to play in his all-time starting 5, which included Pippen, Worthy, and Magic. MJ played alongside all of them except for Dream. That fact shows the amount of respect he has for him.

[@gorkajames6475]

What do you mean played alongside them? Played on the same team you mean? When did MJ play with Worthy?

[@harrischoudhary]

Gorka James That was the team MJ chose to play beside in some interview

[@gorkajames6475]

Harris Choudhary what? He said MJ played alongside all of them except for Hakeem. When did MJ play with Worthy?

[@oswaldocerpas3146]

Gorka James They played together in college

[@drpestwick1]

@@gorkajames6475 College? They were teammates at UNC.

[@yingghit97]

The best part of the video is the endorsement and Coach Nick's transition into the product.

[@gr8tfishgr8tfish99]

He’s always been my number 1 centre of the past 3 decades of watching nba. He could play in any era, both ends of the floor. He mopped the floor with Robinson, Shaq, Ewing....anyone. No equal at the 5.

[@floydo1124]

Love these retro breakdowns, coach Nick! McHale, Ewing, Mutumbo and Robinson on the horizon i hope

[@gabriel.hongkong]

Truly the greatest ad transition in all of KZbin

[@saurabhsonic]

When I can finally meet people to play basketball again, I'm definitely going to practice the hopping and coming down without establishing a pivot foot. It effectively doubles the space we have to attack with our final move. The "allows lesser athletes to unlock a lot more explosiveness" line at the end of the video hits very close to home - LOL!

[@bballbreakdown]

Keep me updated!

[@furryhoof647]

You can generate a lot more lateral explosiveness upon landing on both feet after a little hop. Tennis players use this when returning serve and baseball infielders do it on every pitch. Using this upon delivery into the post keeps all your post moves as viable options (no pivot foot yet) and improves the first step foot speed of whatever move you choose. I played a lot of tennis and basketball growing up but i never thought to use that technique in the post, wish i did.

[@awesomereviews1561]

Best Ad transition on KZbin!

[@no1wasgeorgiebest]

My favourite ever player and I never watched him play live!

[@jeromeybarrita931]

It's really amazing how Kobe was able to combine MJ's fadeaways w/ Hakeem's moves on the block + his fluid ⚽️ footwork ☠

[@tgkzo2132]

This is one of the most underrated basketball channels, it should have at least milli by now

[@atwiineigonor6181]

The most skillful center of all time

[@251Trioxin]

Atwiine Igonor Kareem??

[@crisaracon7379]

@@251Trioxin Kareem has very few post moves just three with no counters.

[@flameking3344]

no contest

[@s_ame1135]

@@251Trioxin Skyhook and nothing else.

[@furryhoof647]

The number of skills that Hakeem mastered made him unguardable. His unlimited offensive repertoire had all time greats completely bamboozled. The most unpredictable offensive player ive ever seen. Also probably the best defensive center since Bill Russell. My favourite move was the dream shake into baseline fade away.

[@Madhamz]

The way coach dream shaked a ridge wallet ad into this video left me a step behind in the play. Anyway, lovin the content coach. Thanks so much

[@camaradiop3731]

4:44 He slipped in an endorsement, sneaky devil, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jamestucker805]

Had the opportunity 2 watch Hakeem n college n houston then 18 years as a rocket.no one could handle him.we owned the bulls.hakeem is the greatest big man ever.thank u hakeem

[@jonjuko8859]

Hakeem’s core strength and balance to pull off these moves at his size is wild, such a shame we never got to see him face the Bulls in the finals. Would have been the biggest test for MJ

[@davidyim01]

This is such a great video! I love how Hakeem played his low post game. Thanks for showing us those small details!

[@3rdeye931]

The dreamshake made me feel like a beast playing pickup games

[@danialpth]

@John doue Quebec true. I'm 5'5 and if you try to do this, the other team could just double team you and swat the ball. If you're going against someone similar to your size one on one, you could get some buckets tho

[@3rdeye931]

John doue Quebec That’s not true. I’m 5’8 and I get people up in the air. The dreamshake is perfected through footwork (I grew up playing soccer). It has nothing to do with height if your technique is solid.

[@sharlangaming3014]

Yeah it's true i'm 5'6 and i can fake my defenders using footwork in the post, you just have to practice it so you can master that move.

[@furryhoof647]

@@sharlangaming3014 A lot of taller people lose foot agility. The dream shake is too quick for most bigs to pull off. Im only 6'3" and i felt like i was in slo-mo trying to pull off what Hakeem did. You guard size players can probably pull it off but whats the point of that, especially in todays game.

[@sharlangaming3014]

@@furryhoof647 i think it's not about the footspeed it's about how you feel you're defender and sell you're fake going to another left or right, yeah in todays game it's all about the 3 point shot but i think because of that it became an advantage because players nowadays doesn't practice it or do it in games often they cannot used to it. It can be you're go to move imagine you're also a good 3 point shooter you can mix it up. Just practice man i know you can do it. Have patience and mamba mentality.

[@Eye2Eye24]

I read the biography. Good book. You learn alot about him and how he was great.

[@ysakgul]

Are we talking about Hakeem's game without mentioning his defense? He was one complete player that can't be reduced to a few original moves! Even Jordan was afraid of him as a defender!

[@lloydkline6946]

Hakeem olajuewon low post scientist

[@Dented_Battle_Armor]

Thank you for this awesome video coach. The Dream is one of my all time favorite players. He is seriously the best Big Man ever. Incredible talent both offensively and defensively!

[@John仰望十架的栋栋]

Even though I only have 5-10 height, I still want to learn the Dream shake.

[@Quasiloks]

The phenomenon and irreplaceable Hakeem The Dream Olajuwon, one of the very best of all time, I just love him.

[@donnier.peneltonii1920]

Great analysis, coach. One distinct advantage in his footwork is that he played soccer, so he learned how to attack with his feet first. He was a goalie so you have to develop reactionary footwork in coordination with your eyes (I guess foot-eye coordination?) and then hands, which is the base of why he was so skilled on both offense and defense.

[@bballbreakdown]

Thanks, and yes! I’m mad I didn’t say this in the video, but the lifting of both feet in the air to split and explode is distinctly tennis, not soccer

[@donnier.peneltonii1920]

@@bballbreakdown as someone who played both tennis and soccer, the split jump is primarily to generate power on returns in tennis, but it is used as a goalie to for reactions on shots. You don't want to be flat footed as a goalie. But still, you hit the nail on the head. Please keep em coming. We all miss basketball.

[@hotrod3020]

Smooth transition to sponsors like Hakeem!

[@St3phenking13]

Thank you Coach. I'm from Houston and Hakeem is my favorite player of all time. I was blessed to watch his growth as an all time great.

[@bpdmf2798]

One word answer: footwork

[@francescodegan6845]

Nick's seamless transitions into ads is so flawless I don't even bother skipping the ad

[@bballbreakdown]

Thank you!!!

[@theconnaisseur]

Best center ever and a top 5 player all time

[@glovs4188]

Best center agree. No way hakeem and shaq can keep up with this guy in today's game. Hakeem and shaw cant defend outside too.

[@ky5059]

Idk bout Best Center, I mean he couldn’t get trough MJ. It was until MJ retired that he won Rings.. can’t be the best center & get dominated by a 6’6 SG

[@ky5059]

Alfredo Duro Dominated Maybe wasn’t the right word, but still. Its kinda funny how he starts winning Championships when MJ retired 🤔

[@glovs4188]

@@ky5059 mj and hakeem never met in the playoffs. When they did meet in the regular season hakeem had a winning record over jordan's bulls. Hakeem rookie year, he took the rockers to the finals. But his second best player sampson was always injured, it hurts when most of the salary is being paid to the who is always injured. Keep in mind hakeem won a ring as the lone star in his team also. Hakeem never had a consistent robin. He still won 2 rings

[@Ace-dv5ce]

Ky Then again every center he played against was dominated by him during the golden era of centers and even Shaq

[@matthewhuang8923]

Hands down greatest centre of all time. So underrated to younger generations

[@scootyang2311]

Look at Joel Embiid: he is like maybe 60% of Hakeem Olajuwon and look how much attention Embiid's got. Olajuwon would MURDER today's game.

[@dankelly9719]

Great video coach. Hakeems footwork was so damn incredible, I find myself just watching his feet on all these plays.

[@Zer0san]

Might be a controversial statement but it's KZbin so who cares. Talking about the goat. If it's about being a winner, its between Jordan and Russell. If it's about stats, it's between Jordan and LeBron. If it's about individual accomplishments, it's between Jordan and Kareem. But if it's about actual skill at the game, it's between Jordan and Hakeem.

[@TheFadedSpade35]

Agreed about Jordan and Hakeem. To me the goat is MJ but Kareem and Russell have a nice case. Hakeem is in my top 6 or so probably after Bird and Magic

[@Zer0san]

@@TheFadedSpade35 I agree with Russell and Kareem, it just depends on each person's definition of GOAT, imo. It's just that Jordan is in that across the board, that's why he has to be the undeniable best. If I'm talking a combination of all of those things I mentioned, ability, career success, individual success, stats, I go Jordan, Russell, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Hakeem and LeBron. LeBron would be higher if his success in the finals was higher but all those guys were clear cut winners and they knew how to win.

[@TheFadedSpade35]

@@Zer0san you know your ball bro. That's a breath of fresh air

[@Zer0san]

@@TheFadedSpade35 likewise homie. Most people want to go with a "x sucks but y is the best" mentality but are oblivious to the idea that both could be great. It gets to a point where I don't want to talk basketball with most because it would take too much work to explain my perspective. I'm sure you can relate

[@TheFadedSpade35]

@@Zer0san you're absolutely right

[@keithramoran]

Coach Nick dropping knowledge to younger fans. I love it!

[@nattosanto6033]

His fadaway J was even more lethal than Dirk’s

[@TheFadedSpade35]

Oh yeah

[@RKO859]

I like how you dream shake into selling us some merchandise. That was smooth.

[@bballbreakdown]

Haha, touche!!

[@jimbo1130]

No one else's gonna talk about the thumbnail tho? 😂😂

[@SebastianQuek0309]

GOAT of the sponsorship transition.. always amazed.

[@VoxGav-bd9rc]

If you think Embiid is good, which he is. Hakeem is double Embiid!

[@Ace-dv5ce]

Vox Gav Olajuwon one of the few people to shut down Shaq

[@stevewilson9778]

Hakeem is arguably the most skilled center ever to play the game. Near-perfect footwork, consistent mid-range jumpshot, handles, post game, rebounder, shot-blocker, all-NBA defense. Joel Embiid has got his work cut out for him if he even wants to be mentioned in the same breath as Hakeem by the time his career is over.

[@dantegobo2178]

While we wait for some seakgeek ads, it's good to know that you can still give us some good new transition ads 😄. Great video coach, and a great content, Hakeem is one of my favourite players to study and emulate 'cause I love playing in the post

[@TitoJonJon]

he is the only center with a "sexy game" if u know what i mean

[@VVVY777]

Simply great content. The best in the bball genre.

[@WhelmedButReady]

Hakeem Olajuwon is legitimately one of the Top 5 greatest players in NBA history IMO. Putting him over LBJ, Kobe, Shaq and TD on my list no question

[@adrianchristopherbantilan7936]

Coach Nick Dream Shaking his advertisements with that smooth transition as always 👍👍

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

Shaq my favorite player ever. But, Im honestly convinced Hakeem was just a slight slight slight bit better. It's so hard to choose. I'll take them both and just move dream to power forward

[@Herosennin]

Not a slight. No matter how much people appreciate Hakeem, hes still underrated as for how virtually no one puts him over Shaq which he clearly was on both sides of the court.

[@michaelboyles714]

Shaq was also one of my favorites but 1995 gives us the answer. If Shaq had the dream’s technique then he would have been the most unstoppable force of nature of all time.

[@jakep1979]

Hakeem was a very smooth version of Joel Embiid, Hakeem was build for the modern NBA. Shaq might see less minutes in the modern NBA because of his lack of three's which would slow down the offense.

[@localneo-graphic4647]

@@michaelboyles714 Yea, people defend Shaq in 95 because it wasn't 'prime' Shaq, even though it WAS prime Shaq. Kids just don't understand, Shaq became Shaq by his second year, and the only aspects of his game that expanded afterwards was his passing and his waistline, and one of those isn't a good thing. Shaq was kind of like Dwight Howard in that sense, one of the most physically gifted players ever to enter the NBA, that could've been even better than they were had they worked on their game more. Obviously Shaq is far superior to Dwight, but he could've been one of the best *defensive* players in the League as well as offensive had he tried and stayed in shape, and his offense would've been legit unstoppable had he just worked on his freethrows. As it stands, Shaq 'not trying' was still good enough to be a top 10 player and one of the best centers ever, but had he put in half the effort someone like Kobe had, he'd be up there with Jordan.

[@theoneandonly9282]

Hakeem was better over his whole career, prime vs prime shaq was better

[@dpscribe]

Hakeem has great footwork, balance, recognition, and awareness to make adjustments that few player in today game possess.

[@shinjipascal862]

The Dream my Fav Center of All Time, then my next is Shaq

[@quentondaniels8536]

Shinji Pascual - same then Kareem, Wilt, Russell.

[@TheCureEnjoyer]

Thank you so much coach! I just tried some of these moves and they are trully amazing!

[@TheChrismeg34]

"And 1, Anotthhherr And 1!!!" He would be a 40-50 point scorer, at high efficiency in today's game

[@ethanhunt9915]

Chris Mcdowell if he’s averaging 50 then an off night of 30 would mean hed need 70 the next night

[@mantgrta9728]

Then Jordan's averaging 70 ppg bro I can't even take u serious 😂#clown

[@Niko-he4ji]

@@mantgrta9728only 10 year olds call people clowns online

[@flameking3344]

He would average 35-40 realistically

[@s_ame1135]

The man is a beast but you're living in the moment of just watching a vid about him. He averaged 21ppg for his entire career. Statistically speaking, if he is playing in today's game, he would average 25 to 28ppg for his career and probably 30ppg for a season-high considering the pacing and the amount of talent in today's game.

[@danielnguyen3810]

Hey Coach, super grateful that you put a breakdown on Hakeem "the Dream" Olajuwon. Could you consider doing a breakdown on Eddie Jones (his ability to slip through screens and chase smaller defenders on the perimeter) or a breakdown on how to guard slippery shooters through picks and screens? (Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Klay, Steph)

[@bballbreakdown]

I’ll put Eddie on the list!

[@lilruse]

Do a video on the 06/07 warriors “we believe” team

[@brandonchristopher9657]

I've been saying for years being able to catch the ball in the lowremoved from basketball since they added the zone defense rule. It's hard to fight for position down low and catch that ball so you could use either foot as a pivot foot. when teams are allowed to double team the low post before the catch usually players at the dribble themselves down into the low post which is a completely different offensive situation.

[@beastmode218]

Top 5 players of All Time(NBA) MJ, Kareem, Magic, Bird, and Hakeem

[@theper4sho]

L

[@metal3543]

Huge L

[@blackpker124]

i study at hakeem, michael and kobe when i want to work on my post game. the best of the best

[@caelanbennett1894]

6 seconds ago? I'm in

[@rubenvalce]

Coach Nick. You are the most underrated basketball mind of all time. How are you not a coach in the league?!

[@wpaia]

90 percent of Kobe's move came from him

[@ixine-yz5uh]

So MJ doesn’t exist

[@wpaia]

@@ixine-yz5uh thats the other percent.

[@ixine-yz5uh]

Nah man if you kno anything about Kobe he was literally a replica of MJ. Even the way he talked, acted, walked, shot, fades, he was a MJ stan

[@kjowl-3]

Great video cant wait to use this back on the court

[@justtimes9257]

hakeem was so great at getting low post position and setting up his pivot foot in the right spot so he can make anymove

[@pesky19]

best center ever

[@Kodreanu23]

Fantastic. Thanks, coach, for yet another great video!

[@bballbreakdown]

🏀🏀 🙏🙏

[@timocruz510]

His footwork breaks down to gather timing. He times his gather to establish a perfectly placed pivot foot. On the shimmy type "dream shake" move he gathers as both feet are planted, giving him the ability to shake and pivot with either foot, w/o traveling. Incredible stuff.

[@marv0319]

Damn, your transitions never fail!! Love it.

[@depressedrocketsfan2880]

That’s why Hakeem is the GOAT

[@mave007funk]

I have seen several workouts of Olajuwon and there's one in particular (I can't remember if it was with Kobe, Amare or Dwight) that Olajuwon mentions to stay close to the baseline (kind of at the height of the no-charge semi circle, but one foot on the key while the other outside) then when about to receive the ball, jump with BOTH feet to catch the ball and feel the defender on his back to know where to attack. He can then go baseline or to the middle with a long stride spin (he can choose the pivot since landed with both feet at the same time) and then can choose from 4 options: do one hard bounce so he can again land on both feet and repeat the same spin move, pump fake for the up and under, use the half body hook or fade away. Also I remember to see JaVale trying to follow those instructions and unable to do the full stride spins, and almost every time tripped himself or was traveling... and Dream wasn't able to explain him well that situation and try over and over to show the double spin, but it was too fast for him.

[@incipidsigninsetup]

Players dont replicate the great talents of the greatest players. That's too much hardworking, talent and dedication. That's why the skyhook is dead, the Jordan fade away is a unicorn and the shimmy-shake up and under post game of the greats IS dead. Everyone wants to shoot, drive the ball, pass and shoot because the talent level needed is comparably minimum.

[@metal3543]

Or is it that the game has changed? Shooting and driving do define the league now, but there are still back to the basket bigs and iso players who play well. You call the skyhook dead but only one person ever did it consistently. You dont hate on 90s players for not doing the skyhook but you hate on today's player's? You call todays players not hardworking, untalented, and not dedicated? I'm sorry you cant travel back to the past man, it really sounds like all you want to do is hate on the modern era and be a 90s stan.

[@thecanmanification]

I have to say coach nick, you have the best ad transitions in the game 😂

[@rebitedon]

Thanks for giving the dream his credit. I been saying he was doing it way before Dirk. Love them both though

[@Hartfilmsandstuff]

Coach’s ad game is more unstoppable than the dream shake.

[@erikhopkins9488]

Footwork. Absolutely impeccable footwork!

[@Mendabur31]

he also talked about spinning in the post to cover more ground. While spinning right to the baseline he uses his left foot to lead the spin.

[@hyperjak810]

Bball breakdown undefeated at incorporating the plugs into the video

[@cmosdriver]

This was a GREAT Hakeem Education!!

[@TheSoonAnn]

his dream shake is poetry in motion, always like how he moves, there was one year where he totally pwn david robinson

[@jasonjuster8388]

I've watched 90% of your vids but not liking them, noffense I don't like any vids I watch BUT you've earned one of them on this vid awesome work!

[@keshified]

Another top shelf breakdown coach!

[@ALLVJAG]

Very good analysis. Now, Hakeem as a youth played Football (soccer) as a striker. The number 9 striker, placed in the traditional position must be able to pivot and turn towards the goal extremely quickly as the ball is passed to him. Check out Raul Jimenez at club America and at Wolverhampton. Perfect example of the football player's foot work that Hakeem did.

[@gorkajames6475]

Coach you should make vids on the most underrated players of all time: Artis Gilmore, Adrian Dantley and Chauncey Billups