Michael Olowokandi

Michael Olowokandi, who only played basketball recreationally before enrolling at the University of Pacific in 1995...He was the Clippers' starting center for most of his rookie season..The 7-1, 265-pound Olowokandi was born in Lagos, Nigeria... First Pick in the 1998 NBA draft. Earned a degree in economics from Pacific Born in Lagos, Nigeria and attended Newlands Manor School in East Sussex, England, and Brunel University in Uxbridge, Middlesex, England While at Brunel, participated in track and field, cricket and rugby Michael's father, Ezekiel, is a Nigerian diplomat On his 20th birthday, opened a library copy of Peterson Guide to American Colleges and Universities and Pacific was the first page he turned to. He then called the basketball office and asked if they would accept him, being a seven footer.