41 Facts About Michael Olowokandi

Michael Olowokandi was born on 3 April 1975 and is a Nigerian former professional basketball player.

Michael Olowokandi played professionally until 2007, when he was forced to retire due to severe hernia and knee injuries.

Michael Olowokandi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, as the oldest of five children.

When Michael Olowokandi was aged 3, his family moved to London where he was raised.

Michael Olowokandi has Nigerian citizenship and did not hold a British passport as of 2004.

Michael Olowokandi attended the Newlands Manor School in Seaford, East Sussex, where he set British age group records in long jump and triple jump and played center midfield in football.

Michael Olowokandi first touched a basketball at the age of 17, and began playing basketball when he was 18.

Michael Olowokandi then entered Brunel University as a mechanical engineering major, where he was an athlete in track and field, cricket, and rugby union.

Michael Olowokandi had a tryout with the Thames Valley Tigers of the Budweiser Basketball League but did not receive a contract.

Michael Olowokandi called the UOP basketball office in hopes that he would be accepted to play basketball for the Pacific Tigers.

Michael Olowokandi called Georgetown University and Duke University but was informed they would not offer scholarships without sending a scout to see him.

Michael Olowokandi frequently committed backcourt and traveling violations in his early games but persisted with his progression and committed to extended practice sessions.

Michael Olowokandi became a star for the team during his junior season, averaging a team high 12.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

Michael Olowokandi led his team to the 1997 NCAA Tournament and as a senior he led the Tigers to the 1998 National Invitation Tournament.

Michael Olowokandi was named as a 1998 Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press.

Michael Olowokandi graduated from Pacific with a degree in Economics and had his No 55 jersey retired by the university in 1998.

Michael Olowokandi performed well at the NBA annual pre-draft events with his quickness, speed and strength.

Michael Olowokandi set records during his workouts in the Denver and Vancouver pre-draft camps, including a record for medicine ball dunks in Denver and running the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds.

Fellow NBA player Andrew Lang said Michael Olowokandi had some of the quickest feet he had ever seen while the two performed together at the camps.

Michael Olowokandi was drafted with the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Michael Olowokandi played for 3 games in the FIBA EuroLeague, where he averaged 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 21.3 minutes per game.

Michael Olowokandi claimed that he felt misused by the team and did not have his offensive abilities utilised.

Michael Olowokandi underwent surgery on his left knee on 11 May 1999, in what would be the first of multiple knee surgeries.

Michael Olowokandi received additional playing time after center Elton Brand was sidelined by a bruised left hip, and Michael Olowokandi became "the Clippers' go-to guy".

On 5 April 2002, Michael Olowokandi was fined $50,000 by the Clippers for "behavior detrimental to the team" after he criticized teammates for a loss against the Utah Jazz.

Michael Olowokandi was coveted by the San Antonio Spurs to replace the retiring David Robinson.

Michael Olowokandi injured his left knee during his extensive training during the offseason and missed most of the preseason.

Michael Olowokandi considered himself as having a limited role in coach Alvin Gentry's offense despite having a breakthrough season that saw improvements in his aggressiveness and consistency.

Michael Olowokandi's left knee injury flared up in January 2003 and he was placed on the injured list.

Michael Olowokandi underwent knee surgery on 3 February 2003, and was ruled out for three to four weeks.

Michael Olowokandi averaged 9.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in his 323 games played with the Clippers over five seasons.

Abdul-Jabbar, who became an assistant coach for the Clippers during Michael Olowokandi's tenure, considered Michael Olowokandi "talented but uncoachable" and cited his lack of willingness to accept criticism in practice as being detrimental to his career.

Clippers, Michael Olowokandi signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-year, $16.2 million dollar contract.

Michael Olowokandi had been considered the fourth most valuable free agent that offseason but received little interest from NBA teams and accepted the only solid deal he was offered.

Michael Olowokandi was enticed by Timberwolves general manager and former player Kevin McHale, who trained one-on-one together before the season started.

Michael Olowokandi again experienced pain and swelling in his left knee so had a second procedure before the start of the regular season that resulted in him missing all of training camp and attending only three team practices.

Michael Olowokandi underwent surgery on 12 December 2003, and was ruled out indefinitely.

On 26 November 2004, Michael Olowokandi was suspended by the Timberwolves for two games after he was arrested for refusing to leave an Indianapolis night club.

On 16 January 2005, Michael Olowokandi was suspended by the NBA for four games for a fight with Nene of the Denver Nuggets during a game the previous night.

In 500 regular season NBA games, Michael Olowokandi averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.39 blocked shots per game.

Michael Olowokandi has donated to various charities and hospitals, including over $100,000 to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles for a new incubator for premature newborn infants.