Connect with us

Houston

“You don’t win a championship by accident” – Hakeem Olajuwon

Published

8 months ago

on

How he responded to critics who diminished Houston’s back-to-back titles in the ’90s

Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets winning back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995 is a great milestone that forged “The Dream’s” name as a legend of the sport. However, many downplay the Rockets’ achievement, noting that they only won those chips because Michael Jordan was out during those years. Naturally, Hakeem himself doesn’t see it that way.

No accidents; pure excellence

The center legend clapped back at these claims by breaking down his team’s achievements during those years.

“You don’t win a championship by accident,” Olajuwon said , per Chron. “We had the best record in the league. Some people try to say, ‘Oh, [Michael] Jordan was out those two years; that’s why you won.’ That really doesn’t matter to us; we don’t have to prove anything.”

Hakeem’s claims are only partly true. In the 1993-94 season, the Rockets etched a 58-24 record for second place in the West. The Seattle SuperSonics, meanwhile, were the best team in the league but were upset in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks.

The following year, Houston had a 47-35 record and finished sixth in the West. This made their back-to-back title runs more impressive and showed how different playoff basketball is. The 1994–95 Rockets are, to date, the lowest-seeded team in league history to win an NBA championship.

MJ gave Hakeem and Co. respect

Even during the Chicago Bulls ‘ first and second three-peats, the Rockets were not necessarily contenders all the time, but they were still a pretty good team. It was always a hot duel whenever the two squads faced off in the regular season. Sometimes, the Bulls won, and sometimes, the Rockets snatched the victory.

“Even when Chicago was winning championships, and we had a more average team,” Olajuwon continued. “We were beating Chicago. We were good against Chicago. That is something we can always refer back to. We never played in the playoffs, but we played in the regular season.”

“He gave us all the respect, and that’s what’s important to me,” the legendary big man said of Jordan. “We were the champion. It’s not an easy task to win, and we got it done.”

It would’ve been a treat if Houston had faced Chicago in the NBA Finals. Some critics believe the Rockets would’ve annihilated the Bulls, given that they had no matchup for Hakeem, the only guy MJ feared .

Whatever the case may be, we should never doubt Houston’s back-to-back titles. It wasn’t their fault that Jordan was away during those years. When their ticket to the NBA Finals came, the Rockets’ took the opportunity and etched their names in NBA history. No one can take that away from them.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Houston

Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

Published

2 days ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

Published

2 days ago

on

May 11, 2025

By

HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Houston

CABEF and City of Houston Bring “Beyond Borders” Forum to George R. Brown During OTC Week

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 27, 2025

By

Houston, TX (April 22nd, 2025) — As the city of Houston prepares for the highly anticipated return of the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) next month, the Central African Business Energy Forum (CABEF), in partnership with the City of Houston, will engage business professionals and organizations from around the world in bilateral engagement for the advancement of global solutions in energy sector. The inaugural edition of CABEF’s “Beyond Borders” Forum will occur at the George R. Brown Convention Center (1001 Avenida De Las Americas) on Thursday, May 8th, in Downtown Houston.

Led by the organization’s chairwoman, Nathalie Lum, the forum’s theme will primarily focus on the concept of “Unlocking Africa – A New Era of Energy & Opportunity”. Furthermore, CABEF’s upcoming forum will merge business leaders and entrepreneurs from the public and private sectors, as well as investors and innovators across North America, Africa, and beyond.

Attendees can expect to gain more perspective on the untapped potential of Africa’s oil and gas industry, the ambitions and impact of the Central African Pipeline System Project (CAPS), bridging African and global energy ecosystems, and highlighting investment-ready opportunities in hydrocarbons, mining, and renewable energy sectors: central African Pipeline System CAPS, a CABEF program. The CAPS project represents a collaborative initiative by ECCAS countries to establish the first cross-border oil and gas pipeline network in Central Africa.

As an essential pillar of regional energy supply, this network will integrate various advanced infrastructures such as gas pipelines, fuel pipelines, pumping stations, LNG terminals, power plants, oil refineries, and storage depots. This vast infrastructure will unlock Central Africa’s energy and economic potential, opening up new growth and sustainable development prospects.

    After successfully hosting CABEF in various African nations — Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Chad- the upcoming forum marks the organization’s first major initiative in the United States. Endorsed by the City of Houston’s Mayor Pro Tem, Martha Castex-Tatum, the landmark international forum is designed “to foster crossborder partnerships, promote strategic investment and accelerate energy development across Africa.” According to the organization, this event marks a significant milestone in CABEF’s international expansion strategy and reflects “Houston’s pivotal role as a global energy capital.”

  With an anticipated attendance of over five hundred delegates (including investors, policy makers, CEOs, project developers, and stakeholders), participants will benefit from high-level discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations by key decision-makers, energy executives, and representatives from ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) countries.

 Ultimately, with the inception of the Houston forum, CABEF wants to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable growth and international cooperation in Africa’s energy space. “We are excited to bring CABEF to Houston, a city that represents innovation and global leadership in energy,” said CABEF General Secretary Pricila Behos. “This forum will bridge Africa’s emerging energy markets and international capital, expertise, and innovation.”

 To register for the upcoming CABEF “Beyond Borders” Houston 2025 Forum at George R. Brown Convention Center on May 8th, or to participate as an official partner or event vendor, please visit the organization’s official website online at www.WeAreCABEF.org/Houston2025, or email directly at contact@wearecabef.org.

Texas Guardian News
Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)
Continue Reading

Trending