Abi Olajuwon facts for kids

Abi Olajuwon, whose full name is Alon Abisola Arisicate Ajoke Olajuwon, is a basketball coach and former player from Nigeria and America. She was born on July 6, 1988. Abi is currently an assistant coach for the Connecticut Sun team in the WNBA, which is a professional women's basketball league.

Abi is the daughter of Hakeem Olajuwon, a famous former NBA basketball player. Her name, Abisola Olajuwon, means "born into wealth and loved by all."

Playing Basketball

High School and College Years

Abi Olajuwon grew up in Houston, Texas. She played basketball for her high school team at Marlborough School in California. She helped her team win three championships in a row.

In 2006, Abi was chosen as a McDonald's All-American. This means she was one of the best high school basketball players in the country. She then played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma. An ESPN basketball expert, Nancy Lieberman, thought Abi would help her team compete for a national championship.

Abi studied broadcast journalism and electronic media at the University of Oklahoma. She earned her degree in 2010.

Playing Professionally

In 2010, Abi Olajuwon was picked by the Chicago Sky in the 2010 WNBA draft. She was the 28th player chosen overall. However, she left the team during that season.

After leaving the WNBA, Abi played for teams in other countries. She played for SEAT-Lami-Véd Győr in Hungary and CSM Satu Mare in Romania.

In 2011, Abi returned to the WNBA and joined the Tulsa Shock for the 2011 season.

During the time when the WNBA was not playing, she played for several international teams. These included Hapoel Rishon LeZion in Israel, ŽKK Novi Zagreb in Croatia, and BC Castors Braine in Belgium.

Before the 2012 season, Abi left the Tulsa Shock. She then played for Esportivo Ourinhos in Brazil and Heilongjiang Chenneng in China. Abi finished her playing career with the Spanish team Caja Rural Zamarat.

Coaching Basketball

After her playing career, Abi Olajuwon became a basketball coach.

In May 2014, she started as an assistant coach for the women's basketball team at California State University, Fullerton.

Then, in May 2016, she became an assistant coach for the Eastern Michigan Eagles women's team.

In May 2018, Abi joined the coaching staff for the TCU Horned Frogs women's basketball team at Texas Christian University.

On December 27, 2022, it was announced that Abi Olajuwon would become an assistant coach for the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. She continues to hold this position as of July 2025.

Career Highlights

Abi Olajuwon was recognized as a McDonald's All-American in 2006. This honor is given to top high school basketball players.

Career Statistics

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