Beyond the Hardwood:
Adeola Olanrewaju

Name:
Adeola Olanrewaju

Team:
Xavier University 2005

Hometown:
born in Lagos, Nigeria; raised in Brooklyn, NY

What playing professional basketball means to me:
It gives me the freedom and life experience that are priceless.

What I expected professional basketball to be:
To allow me the opportunity to travel and learn another culture and language, which was something that was very appealing to me after graduating college. To explore and see the world and to continue my passion for the game of basketball.

What it really is:
I had a great time my first time abroad, it was everything I expected and better. I pretty much was getting paid to play a hobby of mine, that is a deal that leaving college nowadays, one only dreams about and I got and get an opportunity to do it. Still baffles me to this day.

Something I wish I'd learned while playing lower division basketball:
I wish at times I learned at an earlier age. Started playing basketball at age 15.

Why I love playing basketball:
I love playing basketball because I think that it is a great sport and I feel that it teaches me lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom such as being a team player and thinking of someone else than myself since it is a team atmosphere, so one should try to do what is best for the team.

The women’s player that’s most fun to watch right now...
Matee Ajavon from Rutgers University

My most memorable coach (and why)...
My AAU coaches and my College Coaches at Xavier University because they have given me constant support, love, and care. They have always been confident even when I might have doubted myself and being younger I felt that was essential in my growing process as a player and person.

I'd go crazy on a road trip without...
listening to music

A teammate (past or present) that I’ve been the most inspired by is (and why)...
Well this person is not really a teammate but a close friend who plays basketball currently in the NBA. I have always been inspired by his desire to win and passion for the game of basketball. He was always confident in himself no matter what the circumstances were and felt that every single one of his goals and dreams were attainable, it was often funny to hear him speak of things. I am inspired the most by him ‘til this day.

Three things I'd like to do before I die...
Meet former President Bill Clinton and his wife Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; to be able to see the arts while playing in another country, arts such as: ballet, opera, symphony/orchestra; to pledge a billion dollars to various organizations and charities that I support along with my time.

Advice I'd give to a younger player who plays my position is...
To stay positive and everything that you dream to do is a thought which is attainable.

An aspect of my game that I'd really like to improve is...
offensively, I would like to improve making moves off the dribble on the perimeter.

Website I Visit Most Often:
Really don’t have a website frequently visited.