This Day in Basketball History

1963 - Hakeem Olajuwon is born in Lagos, Nigeria

Olajuwon switches from soccer to basketball after a growth spurt as a teenager and later accepts a scholarship from the University of Houston. In 1984, his adopted-hometown Rockets take the center No. 1 in the NBA Draft.

When he retires 18 years later, he does it as one of the greatest players ever. A 12-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and 1994 Most Valuable Player, he leaves the game with more blocks (3,830) than any other player in NBA history.

2010 - Kobe the youngest to 25,000 points

Kobe Bryant becomes the youngest NBA player ever to reach 25,000 career points at age 31 years, and 151 days - beating Wilt Chamberlain by 35 days. 

This record will likely be broken this season by LeBron James, who just became the youngest player to 24,000 points at 30 years, 17 days.