Olajuwon: Amar’e Stoudemire’s Post-Game Transformation is ‘Night and Day’


Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire has spent time in Houston training with Hall-of-Fame center Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, and has claimed he’s made exponential progress this summer. And now, Olajuwon himself has corroborated those reports, saying Stoudemire’s post-game is now on another level. More details, via the New York Times: “’You won’t believe it,’ Olajuwon said in a telephone interview from his ranch outside Houston. The apprenticeship began on Aug. 6, with daily three-hour sessions on Olajuwon’s private court. Stoudemire has proved a quick study, assimilating moves and countermoves as fast as Olajuwon can demonstrate them. ‘It’s night and day,’ Olajuwon said. ‘What’s so nice is he wants it; he likes the post. He’s always wanted to play there, but he doesn’t have the moves that would give him that option.’ Since retiring in 2002, Olajuwon has become the N.B.A.’s go-to source for players hoping to develop their post skills. LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant have visited the Olajuwon ranch. So have Marcin Gortat and the Lopez twins, Brook and Robin. This month, it’s Stoudemire and Denver’s JaVale McGee.”