Great Olajuwon gives brief basketball clinic

JAKARTA (JP): It was too short to be called a course, but the almost 30 minute basketball clinic put on by superstar Hakeem "the Dream" Olajuwon will live forever in the minds of the Indonesian junior players present.

Dapper in a long sleeve dress shirt replete with necktie, the towering Olajuwon did indeed break a sweat while demonstrating his blistering skills to the youngsters at Senayan basketball hall yesterday.

He took charge of the group of 12, delivered some spirited instruction and - as a wise coach - encouraged the players who were accompanied by secretary general of the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) Sri Sudono Sumarto.

"You play on a team. Do your best for your team, no matter what the result will be," he began his lecture for the teenagers who finished at the wooden spoon during the Independence Cup international tourney two weeks ago. The national youth squad is currently preparing for the Asian junior championship in Manila early next year.

"As a team you have to believe in each other," the 31-year-old NBA most valuable player continued. He also suggested that the wide-eyed boys toughen up their training regimen "which is desperately needed to become a great player."

A proof of the pudding is in the eating. Olajuwon performed his brief lecture with Harry and Danny, who never dreamt of playing with the Houston Rockets' superstar.

"You've done everything well," Olajuwon praised his students after working on moves under the basket. Olajuwon could not avoid the temptation of displaying his slam dunk before the awestruck teens.

"If only I had brought my jersey with me, I would play throughout the day," Olajuwon joked.

Both Harry and Danny said they enjoyed the rare occasion. "But I was nervous at the start. He's so strong," an elated Harry beamed with a heavy Javanese accent.

Once the basketball clinic was over, a barrage of young fans charged at the giant, asking for his autograph. He fulfilled some of the requests, but then begged off when the teenage crowd became a bit too enthusiastic.

Earlier yesterday Olajuwon paid a courtesy call on Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman. Olajuwon presented a token basketball during the 15-minute meeting attended also by journalists.

"I cannot wait for my trip to Bali," a fresh-looking Olajuwon told reporters. He was scheduled to fly for Bali yesterday for a three-day tour. (amd)