The American Dream is a magnet that attracts millions across the globe. Being famous in the USA is almost a guarantee of global flame. While many fail, a select few can raise their name in the world. Making it big in the NBA is the very definition of the American Dream. Nigerian Hakeem Olajuwon came to the USA to realize the much-propagated dream and from the continent of Africa comes his admirer Joel Embiid too. The Cameroonian has his own thoughts on the American Dream.
In a poignant response, he delivers his comments on people pursuing their dream.
Joel Embiid urges people to stay put with their dreams
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American media marketed Houston Rockets Great Hakeem Olajuwon as an example of someone accomplishing the American Dream. The surrounding hype was huge, and the Nigerian didn’t disappoint. The Dream picked up a basketball when he was 15 and wasn’t heavily recruited when he entered the University of Houston. Embiid also picked up the basketball at 15 and a year later, Kobe Bryant’s 2010 NBA performances stoked a flame in the amazing Center.
Then he was identified by former NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute. He helped Embiid relocate to Florida and link up with the Montverde Academy. All this came in the midst of disciplined-oriented parents who wanted the Philadelphia 76ers Center to pursue a career in education more than anything else. The Center felt left behind upon arriving in the USA, since he was competing against players who had been playing basketball since they were toddlers.
However, inspired by Olajuwon’s tapes, he developed a well-rounded game. This is barely a brief snippet of what hardships he has seen since coming to the USA. Therefore, when he sat down with businessman Maverick Carter, he had a lot of inspiring tales to tell. When Carter asked him, “How do you think about inspiring future generations?”, the amazing player had a poignant response.
He replied, “When I won the MVP award, I said, improbable doesn’t make impossible. Anything you set your mind to, you can accomplish it. No matter where you are from, no matter a small of an opportunity you get. That’s what I always focus on. I want people to see, because you know I really believe I live the dream. I have lived the American dream. It’s not easy, but it is possible. That’s what I want people to take from me.”
Just one more item on To-Do list
Having won multiple scoring titles and MVP last season, a player of his caliber would love to have an NBA title. This is the place where he’d at least like to get even with Olajuwon, who won two titles. In fact, he has signaled to the Philadelphia 76ers that if it isn’t this year, then he may seek a change in scenery.
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At any rate, he is still winning in life. He is dating Victoria’s Secret model Anna de Paula and has a son named Arthur Elijah with her. From next season, Elijah’s father’s $213 million, four-year contract will kick off. He is indeed living the dream.
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Do you think the torchbearer of the American Dream will win a title next season? Do share in the comments below.