The Dream within a Dream.
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon for NBA Africa Official, NBA.
I had the incredible opportunity to work on a dream project for NBA Africa Official through the folks at Futura Johannesburg. I created an artwork, to be part of a group mural for the NBA Africa headquarters in Johannesburg, in honour of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon.
Hailing from Lagos Nigeria, Hakeem is the first African player in the NBA. He was top of the 1984 NBA draft , the number 1 pick ~ above Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 84 and went on to win back to back NBA Championships in 1994 & 1995. He won NBA MVP 1994, MVP finals 94/95, NBA defensive player of the year award 94/93, best NBA ESPY player award 95/96. His accolades in the NBA are so many I could go on and on. I am so grateful and honoured to be part of telling his story, and to be cementing his legacy through my artwork with the NBA and NBA Africa Official.
A few members of the NBA family recently visited the newly refurbished NBA Africa Office in Johannesburg. Lakers Coach Darwin Ham and 2011 NBA Champion Ian Mahinmi were in attendance. The mural artwork that I designed in honour of Hakeem "The Dream '' Olajuwon was featured in the reel and it's a real full circle "Dream" moment seeing this all happen.
Shout out to the folks Futura Johannesburg and NBA Africa for the incredible opportunity to create artwork for the NBA Africa headquarters. The very first time I saw the printed artwork, up in the headquarters, in its full element was through the eyes of Dennis 3d Scott, Orlando Magic legend and NBA Hall of famer, and now to see the Lakers coach Darwin Ham and 2001 NBA champion Ian Mahinmi in the new space with my artwork is a dream come true. All praise to the Most High.
Hoop Dreams. We Win.
