ALTITUDES, OXYGEN & FOUL TROUBLES
At the onset of the 1980s, the University of Houston was constructing a juggernaut. Spearheaded by high-scoring guard Rob Williams, a developing Clyde Drexler, Larry Micheaux, and Michael Young, the Cougars went 25-8, making their way to the 1982 Final Four before falling to the eventual champion, North Carolina, in the semi-finals. A freshman 7-footer from Nigeria named Akeem Olajuwon was slowly marinating on the bench, on the brink of luminary strata.
That era depicted a vindication of sorts for the 20-year-old Drexler. His signing led to many boosters voicing their displeasure and denouncing his recruitment in 1980. To detractors, the local standout (Sterling High) was considered a decent player but not talented enough to play at the University of Houston. That notion would become erroneous because of the 6’7” jheri-cured newcomer’s performance. By 1983, Clyde “The Glide” was selected as the Southwest Conference Player of the Year and a consensus All-American.
That 1982-83 season put the high-flying Cougars, now known as Phi Slama Jama, on an even loftier echelon. After going 31-2 overall (16-0 in the Southwest Conference), they entered the NCAA title game as immeasurable favorites against the underdog yet dangerous N.C. State Wolfpack (unranked before the NCAA Tournament, with a 17-10 record), postseason victors in the ACC bonanza. The Final Four was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico; for some participants, the high altitude (10,600 feet in the Sandia Mountains) would become a factor.
Unfortunately for Houston, complete with all the spellbinding dunks and spectacular aerial maneuvers, the bottom line is that when the rubber hits the road, each one is only worth two points. Rim-rattling “flushes,” while electrifying, are tantamount to a layup, a jumper from the elbow or a putback from within the paint.
 |
Houston, predicted to roll over “The Pack” fluently, aptly found themselves in a fracas. It’s no fun when the rabbit has the gun. State, spearheaded by guards Sidney Lowe and Dereck Whittenburg, who had played together since high school (DeMatha-Hyattsville, MD) and had physiques resembling safeties (strong and free), paced the underdogs to a 33-25 halftime lead.
Olajuwon catalyzed the Cougars with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and seven blocked shots. Teammate Clyde Drexler, however, was a nonentity. The “Glide” finished with 4 points and four personal fouls (the last one controversial before halftime) in 25 minutes of play. The terrain and elevation of the venue in the mountains had taken its toll on Akeem; he was fatigued and required oxygen on the bench. As a result, Coach Lewis made an
ill-fated move: after making a 17-2 run and going up by seven, he slowed the Cougar offense down to “work” the clock. With their newfound penchant for pulling off “cardiac” comebacks, NC State snipped away at the lead.
The thriller came down to the closing seconds, with the score all square at 52. The Wolfpack had possession, and Coach Jim Valvano drew up a play for Whittenburg to take the final shot. After playing man-to-man, the Cougars surprised their opponents with a zone-trap. Houston’s Benny Anders nearly intercepted a pass at the 5-second mark, which would have given him an uncontested path to the other end for a score. Whittenburg grabbed the ball, recovered, and launched a 30-foot jumper with perfect form. It was no desperation heave, yet to this day, he solemnly swears it was a pass. The attempt was short but proximal enough to be corralled out of the air and slammed into the hoop by forward Lorenzo Charles. The buzzer sounded. Chaos and bedlam ensued.
Lorenzo Charles dunk to win 1983 National Championship
The final score was 54-52. North Carolina State had won the 1983 NCAA Championship. Houston exited, pixilated, and disconsolate.
University of Houston center Akeem Olajuwon. PHOTO CREDIT: Manny Millan/SI
Olajuwon was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 1983 tournament. Yet that provided scant solace after the harrowing loss. He had been close to Charles during Whittenburg’s errant shot but hesitated to avoid a goaltending call. Heartbreak notwithstanding, the Cougars shook it off and got back to work.
Houston—sans Drexler, who had turned professional—cruised to the 1984 NCAA Final Four for another shot at glory. Forward Michael Young led the scorers with nearly 20 points per contest, followed by the indispensable, rim-protecting Olajuwon. They readied themselves for the title game after edging Virginia in the semifinal 49-47. Unlike in 1983, no Cinderella-like opponent was awaiting them. In ’84, a stacked Georgetown team with Patrick Ewing, David Wingate, Reggie Williams, and a clean-shaven terror who attacked the rim with bloodthirstiness named Michael Graham loomed in the Seattle Kingdome. In addition, a glowering, towering (6-foot-10-inch) genius, towel in hand, roamed the sidelines as the Hoyas’ head coach, John Thompson.
“Georgetown had Olajuwon’s number, suffocating him every time he caught the ball. [He] was uncharacteristically ineffective, playing with four fouls–three in the first half. He took only nine shots and finished with 15 points.” [8]
The Cougars again lost 84-75.
Postgame, a crestfallen Olajuwon, stated that Houston “didn’t play as a team,” calling his teammates “selfish.” [8] After consulting with his inner circle, especially (new Portland Trailblazer) Clyde Drexler, he declared for the NBA Draft and turned pro.
During an interview in the late 80s, Olajuwon was asked whom he’d like to team up with in the NBA if provided the opportunity. Without hesitation, he replied twice, with his regal accent, “I like to plaaaaay with Clyde [Drexler].” His wish would be granted years later.
