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The Next Dream: Olajuwon's sons to play basketball at The Village School in Houston

Joshua Koch
Sep 30, 2019

HOUSTON – In the West Midlands Region of the United Kingdom, the game of basketball is not the most popular sport. Not by a long-shot.

For NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon though, it was always a sport he wanted to see his sons pursue. In fact, the member of the historic Phi Slamma Jama-era at the University of Houston made a deal with his sons Abdullah and Abdul.

"Every time I'd leave them with a basketball, I'd come back in it would turn into a soccer ball," Hakeem, who spoke to VYPE in an exclusive interview, said. "Then we made a deal, once they tasted basketball they'd forget about soccer. So, I put them in a basketball club and a soccer club. After three months they forgot about soccer. I saw the passion, they started playing some games."

Originally when they moved to the UK, Abdullah admitted they had a passion for soccer. They had played it before, so they didn't mind.

With basketball becoming a viable option, Abdul admitted that once he played it, things changed.

"When we used to play soccer, I was more passionate than everybody," Abdul, who's favorite NBA players are Golden State's Steph Curry and Sacramento Kings' De'Aaron Fox, said. "But when my dad told me to forget about soccer, I really didn't believe it. But after I tasted [playing basketball], I didn't want to play anything else, I knew that was my passion."

With their love of basketball growing, Hakeem had to make a decision and knew moving back to the United States would be best for their basketball future.

"[Abdullah] is 15, if he doesn't come now, he won't really get a chance to catch up," Hakeem said. "So, that's why I moved them back here."

It was a month ago that the Olajuwon's officially reclaimed Houston as their full-time home.

With the move, Hakeem enrolled his sons into The Village School, where Abdullah will be a part of the Vikings basketball team as a sophomore. Abdul will be entering the eighth grade.

"I feel really blessed, because a year ago, even a month ago, I didn't know this would happen," Abdullah – who is a fan of James Harden - said. "It was a dream and then it became a reality."

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ON MY WHISTLE: FBCA Legend and future Texas Longhorn, Bayleigh Minor, joins the VYPE Podcast

Matthew Ogle
25 Jun, 2025

After she became the most decorated female track athlete in Texas high school history (16 gold medals), the now graduated Bayleigh Minor detailed her achievement, her social life, and more!

Check out the full interview below!

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BREAKING: 2026 Ridge Point three-star OL Avery Morcho commits to Texas A&M

Jackson DiPasquale
25 Jun, 2025

2026 Ridge Point (TX) three-star offensive lineman Avery Morcho has announced his commitment to Texas A&M.

The 6-foot-6 290lb OL commits to the Aggies over TCU and SMU.

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Men: AFHC Royals vs. GFI

VYPE Live
25 Jun, 2025

CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE!

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VYPE SATX Softball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

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VYPE SATX Baseball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

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VYPE DFW Public School Baseball Player Of The Year Fan Poll

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THE TIER LIST: Final VYPE SATX Softball Rankings prior to imminent 2025 Playoffs

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Men: AFHC Royals vs. GFI

Men: AFHC Royals vs. GFI

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

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VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/31/25

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Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar San Antonio

Men: AFHC Royals vs. AC Houston Sur

Men: AFHC Royals vs. AC Houston Sur

7PM | NFHS - 5A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Liberty Hill vs. Kingwood Park

7PM | NFHS - 5A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Liberty Hill vs. Kingwood Park

4:30PM & 7:30PM | NFHS - 2A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Stamford vs. Collinsville

4:30PM & 7:30PM | NFHS - 2A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Stamford vs. Collinsville

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/30/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/30/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/29/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/29/25

1PM | NFHS - 6A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Dripping Springs vs. Kingwood

1PM | NFHS - 6A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Dripping Springs vs. Kingwood

VYPE Live Lineup - Wednesday 5/28/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Wednesday 5/28/25

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3PM | NFHS - 3A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Thrall vs. Orange Grove

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VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/24/25

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Men: AFHC Royals vs. Houston FC

KNIGHT MOVES: Regents School of Austin Football plans for 2026 coaching change

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VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/23/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/23/25

7PM | NFHS - 6A D2 Baseball Reg. IV Final G3 (if nec.): Buda Johnson vs. Lake Travis

7PM | NFHS - 6A D2 Baseball Reg. IV Final G3 (if nec.): Buda Johnson vs. Lake Travis

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/22/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/22/25

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