NEW YORK – Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon has been chosen as the NBA Ambassador to Africa by the league.
The native of Nigeria will work closely with the NBA Africa office in Johannesburg and have a prominent role in the development of basketball on the continent through various events and activities.
Olajuwon was the first pick in the 1984 draft and led the Houston Rockets to two NBA titles. He was a 12-time All-Star and the 1994 MVP.
Amadou Gallo Fall, the NBA's vice president for development in Africa, says Wednesday in a statement that the league is elated that "one of the greatest to ever play the game, a son of Africa, and a legend of Hakeem's stature will officially represent the NBA in Africa."
More than 30 players from Africa have played in the NBA since 1984.