Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem Olajuwon was quite possibly one of the greatest centers to ever play in the NBA. He won two championships with the Houston Rockets, along with two Finals MVPs, a regular season MVP, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. The man was practically a one-man wrecking crew on both ends of the court.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon was raised Muslim. He is a devout follower of the faith, even observing Ramadan during the NBA season, which, considering the physical demands of professional basketball, is no small feat. This dedication to his faith, however, does not translate to any discernable Jewish identity or origin.

While he never played for an Israeli team, nor did he ever loudly proclaim his love for gefilte fish, Olajuwon did bring many kvell-worthy moments to those who appreciated his artistry on the court. His "Dream Shake" was a thing of beauty, routinely leaving defenders flailing in his wake. Many a Rockets fan certainly kvells over the memories of his dominant performances.

So, despite his undeniable greatness and the joy he brought to basketball fans worldwide, Hakeem Olajuwon remains firmly outside the tribe. A legend, yes. A Jew, no.