Hakeem `the dream' to film commercial here

Hakeem `the dream' to film commercial here

JAKARTA (JP): Local basketball fans will get the rare treat of
seeing last season's NBA most valuable player Hakeem "the Dream"
Olajuwon up close when he visits Jakarta later this week.

Olajuwon, of the league champion Houston Rockets, will meet
State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Hayono Isman during his
Sept. 7-12 visit, said Jannus Hutapea of Coca Cola Indonesia
which is sponsoring the superstar's trip here.

The 6-10 (2.08 meter) Olajuwon will also pay a courtesy call
on Harmoko in the latter's capacity as chief of the Indonesian
Basketball Association (Perbasi), Jannus added.

"After filming the commercial advertisement for Coca Cola,
Olajuwon is scheduled to lead an informal basketball clinic for
children," the company spokesman said.

The Nigerian-born Olajuwon, who joined the Rockets in 1983
following an outstanding college career at the University of
Houston, averaged 25.2 points per game last season.

Not simply an offensive threat, last year Olajuwon was voted
the NBA's top defensive player.

Over the past few years he has become increasingly devoted to
Islam, and attributes much of his success to his solid religious
belief.

During his stay here the 31-year-old Olajuwon will perform
Friday prayers at the Istiqlal mosque together with local
devotees.

Olajuwon will also present Hayono with one of his number 34
Rockets' jerseys during their meeting. (rsl/brd)