Great Olajuwon gives brief basketball clinic

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)