Abi Olajuwon

Alon Abisola Arisicate Ajoke Olajuwon better known as Abi Olajuwon (born July 6, 1988) is a Nigerian-American basketball coach and former player.

Quotes

• I have never felt like I had to hide my name or show my name to do this. It's like, if you know me, you do. If you don't, you don't. And he’s (her father) always like, ‘Be proud of who you are, like, be proud of what I've done, and what our family's done and what's you’re gonna add to the legacy and your kids will add to the legacy.’ And I just think the honesty of just being 100%, my authentic self has been such a huge thing.
  • Maggie Vanoni, ‘Be yourself’: How Connecticut Sun assistant coach Abi Olajuwon relies on her Hall of Fame father, CT Insider, June 4, 2023.
• They were like, ‘What woman who watches daytime talk shows is gonna care about if Miami is gonna three-peat with LeBron (James) and Chris Bosh?
  • Maggie Vanoni, ‘Be yourself’: How Connecticut Sun assistant coach Abi Olajuwon relies on her Hall of Fame father, CT Insider, June 4, 2023.
• When I see the things for Bronny (LeBron James’ son) and I think about my younger brothers and things like that, you know, media does put such a high expectation on you. But when the one person who built this legacy is like, ‘Be yourself. I don't care if you play basketball. I don't care if you're a teacher, as long as you're a good person with a moral compass and you are impacting the world in a positive way that's what every parent wants.’ And I think that is the best part.
  • Maggie Vanoni, ‘Be yourself’: How Connecticut Sun assistant coach Abi Olajuwon relies on her Hall of Fame father, CT Insider, June 4, 2023
• To reach the pinnacle of women’s basketball and coach some of the best players in the world is such an honor and a privilege. I jumped at the opportunity to work with my former coach, Stephanie White, because I know her energy to win from the perspective of a player and now, as a coach.
  • FOX61 Staff, Connecticut Sun name Abi Olajuwon as assistant coach, FOX61, December 27, 2022.
• If there is one thing that is true about the Connecticut Sun, it's that the organization is putting the idea into action that once you are a part of the WNBA family, you will be taken care of. There is an investment in your success not only during your time in this league, but after you’re playing career is over. I am excited to be a part of this special organization and hope to facilitate great guidance to these amazing professional athletes.
  • FOX61 Staff, Connecticut Sun name Abi Olajuwon as assistant coach, FOX61, December 27, 2022.
• To be apart of the Frog Family and to be back in the Big 12 is a dream come true. I'm excited about Coach Pebley’s vision for TCU women's basketball and ready to help continue the success that was accomplished last season.
  • Stefan Stevenson, TCU women's basketball adds very famous name to staff, star-telegram.com, May 04, 2018.
• I was very interested in coaching after playing. It’s a natural transition for players to be closely affiliated around the sport. Playing collegiate basketball makes you very relatable to your players.
  • Alexander Dominguez, Olajuwon embraces role with CSUF, Daily Titan, December 14, 2014.
• I was lucky enough to have amazing coaches and to play at the highest capacity. It’s one of those things that you are able to relate and have compassion for the players and know what they’re going through psychologically and use the parallels of how to push and motivate without being negative to help them grow to their highest potential.
  • Alexander Dominguez, Olajuwon embraces role with CSUF, Daily Titan, December 14, 2014.
• A lot of it I am getting acclimated with as well. But we are getting really prepared and I can definitely see that we are getting focused for conference. I am really excited about it.
  • Alexander Dominguez, Olajuwon embraces role with CSUF, Daily Titan, December 14, 2014.

Quotes about Abi

• I have known Abi for over 10 years and have been fortunate to see her development. Her basketball career is a remarkable one having competed in two Final Fours and playing in the WNBA. While at Cal State Fullerton, she proved to be a dynamic recruiter. I am thrilled Abi has joined our staff and she will make an immediate impact.
  • Fred Castro as quoted in Abi Olajuwon Named EMU Women's Basketball Assistant Coach, EMUEagles.com, May 20, 2016.
• I loved her (Abi) as a player. We played against her when I was at the University of Maryland. I had seen her on TV and I watched Oklahoma religiously. The only time we faced each other was her sophomore year. She’s 0-1 against me.
  • Daron Park as quoted in Olajuwon embraces role with CSUF, Daily Titan, December 14, 2014.
• I am happy to promote Abi to recruiting coordinator after watching her work this past year(2016). Abi has been a critical part of our recruiting success since we arrived in Ypsilanti. Her ability to organize and execute our recruiting game plans has allowed us to add elite student athletes to our program. Abi's work ethic and attention to detail has earned her the title of recruiting coordinator.
  • Fred Castro as quoted in Abi Olajuwon Adds Recruiting Coordinator Responsibilities, EMUEagles.com, May 16, 2017.