Michael Olowokandi Biography

(Basketball Player)

Birthday: April 3, 1975 (Aries)

Born In: Lagos, Nigeria

Michael Olowokandi is a well-known former professional basketball player from Nigeria. He is best known for playing in the NBA teams Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers. A graduate of the University of the Pacific, Olowokandi was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft of 1998, where he was chosen as the center by the Los Angeles Clippers. Later on signed by Minnesota Timberwolves as a free agent, Olowokandi played professionally till 2007. Taking about the retired basketball player’s personal life, he was previously in a long-term relationship with Suzanne Ketcham. He was also once arrested on account of charges of robbery, false imprisonment, and cohabitant abuse of his former girlfriend. However, after Ketcham claimed that whatever had happened was her fault and withdrew all the charges, Olowokandi was cleared of any wrongdoing. Olowokandi, who is not a social media person, also loves other sports like cricket and rugby and even used to play them in his high school.
6
Quick Facts

Also Known As: Kandiman

Age: 49 Years, 49 Year Old Males

Family:

father: Ezekiel

siblings: Soji Abbidemi Olowokandi (brother)

African American Men Basketball Players

Height: 7'0" (213 cm), 7'0" Males

Grouping of People: Black Men

City: Lagos, Nigeria

More Facts

education: Newlands Manor School, Brunel University, University of the Pacific

  • 1

    What was Michael Olowokandi's position in basketball?

    Michael Olowokandi was a center in basketball.
  • 2

    In which year was Michael Olowokandi drafted into the NBA?

    Michael Olowokandi was drafted into the NBA in 1998.
  • 3

    Which college did Michael Olowokandi attend before entering the NBA draft?

    Michael Olowokandi attended the University of the Pacific.
  • 4

    How many seasons did Michael Olowokandi play in the NBA?

    Michael Olowokandi played in the NBA for 9 seasons.
  • 5

    What was Michael Olowokandi's highest scoring game in the NBA?

    Michael Olowokandi's highest scoring game in the NBA was when he scored 30 points in a game.
Career
During his junior year, Michael Olowokandi led his basketball team to the 1997 NCAA Tournament and then led the Tigers to the 1998 National Invitation Tournament. He became Big West Conference Player of the Year for 1997–98. After his senior year, Olowokandi was chosen as the first overall pick of 1998 NBA draft by Los Angeles Clippers.
Olowokandi played about 36 games in the 2002–03 season before developing an injury that prevented him from playing in the rest of the season. In the last year with Los Angeles Clippers, Olowokandi sustained a knee and hernia injury, which greatly hindered his performance. He finished that season with an average of 12.3 points. After playing with the Clippers for five seasons, he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves as an unrestricted free agent for the 2003–04 NBA season. The Nigerian player’s time with this team was marked by severe injuries and inconsistent play. In 2006, he was traded in a multi-player deal to Boston Celtics.
Overall, Olowokandi's professional basketball career was quite underwhelming and he was repeatedly named among the major disappointments in the NBA history. Also, the Clippers' pick of the player was considered unwise as the 1998 NBA draft had also featured players such as Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Mike Bibby and Antawn Jamison, all of whom went on to become more successful basketball players than Olowokandi.
Continue Reading Below
Personal Life
Michael Olowokandi was born on 3 April 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria. His father Ezekiel was a diplomat. He has a brother named Soji Abbidemi. Olowokandi studied at the Newlands Manor School and later on attended Brunel University in England. He also attended the University of the Pacific and earned a degree in economics from there. Olowokandi was in a relationship with Suzanne Ketcham for several years. However, the couple separated later on.
Facts About Michael Olowokandi

Michael Olowokandi, a former NBA player, is of Nigerian descent and stands at an impressive 7 feet tall.

Before pursuing a career in basketball, Olowokandi studied engineering at the University of the Pacific.

Despite being the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft, Olowokandi had a passion for painting and art outside of basketball.

Olowokandi was known for his unique sense of style off the court, often seen sporting colorful and standout outfits.
In addition to his basketball skills, Olowokandi was multilingual and could speak multiple languages fluently.

How To Cite

Article Title
- Michael Olowokandi Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/michael-olowokandi-34918.php

People Also Viewed


LeBron James Biography
LeBron James
(American)
 
Stephen Curry Biography
Stephen Curry
(American)
 
Kevin Durant Biography
Kevin Durant
(American)
 
LeBron James Jr. Biography
LeBron James Jr.
(American)
 
Dwight Howard Biography
Dwight Howard
(American)
 
Derrick Rose Biography
Derrick Rose
(American)
 
Jayson Tatum Biography
Jayson Tatum
(American)
 
Devin Booker Biography
Devin Booker
(American)