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15 Famous Muslim Basketball Players

Basketball, a sport renowned for its ability to bring people together across borders, has witnessed numerous athletes making an enduring impact on the game.

Within this cohort of exceptional individuals, a noteworthy contingent comprises Muslim basketball players who’ve not only showcased exceptional skills on the court but have also emerged as influential figures within their communities and beyond. 

In a sport that prides itself on being inclusive, these athletes have illustrated that excellence is boundless, irrespective of one’s religious affiliation.

Whether through their unwavering commitment to their faith, while competing at the highest echelons or by assuming prominent roles as role models within their communities, their narratives vividly demonstrate the capacity of sports to bridge cultural and religious divides.

Their journeys stand as a testament to the potential for extraordinary achievements that reside within every individual.

As their journeys serve as a testament to the potential for greatness that resides within every individual, let us find out who these famous Muslim basketball players who have left a mark on the sport are.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s six MVP titles remain unmatched, and rightfully so. His dominance extended across two decades, resulting in six championships to his name.

Jabbar initially secured a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971 but faced a prolonged championship drought before joining the Lakers’ Showtime era.

His remarkable total of 38,837 points has stood the test of time. It’s been over two decades since his retirement, and only recently was LeBron able to surpass this record.

However, it’s nearly impossible to discuss Kareem without highlighting his signature skyhook shot. This distinctive move is etched in NBA history as one of the most iconic images and is unlikely to be replicated. While leading the Lakers during the Showtime era, Abdul-Jabbar, often referred to as “The Captain,” added five more titles to his illustrious career.

In the summer of 1968, Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, embraced Sunni Islam after converting from Catholicism, affirming his faith by taking the shahada twice.

This was a significant decision for him, and it is something that he has spoken about openly in the years since. It is clear that his faith is important to him, and it has helped to guide him throughout his life and career.

2. Hakeem Olajuwon

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Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, known as the league’s all-time leading shot blocker with a record of 3,830 blocks, was more than just a formidable presence near the basket. He also ranks in the top 14 for points (26,946), rebounds (13,748), and steals (2,162).

His prowess in crucial games was evident with his two NBA championships and two Finals MVP accolades. Furthermore, his profile boasts six All-NBA 1st Team selections, a dozen All-Star appearances, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and five All-Defensive 1st Team nods.

Notably, he became the first non-American player to secure the Defensive Player of the Year Award in the 1993–94 season.

In the early stages of Olajuwon’s college and NBA journey, he was occasionally unruly, exhibiting behavior such as disputing officials’ calls, engaging in minor altercations with fellow players, and accumulating technical fouls.

However, as time went on, Olajuwon became deeply invested in his spiritual beliefs, embracing a more devout practice of Islam.

3. Shaquille O’Neal

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Shaquille O’Neal stood as the most imposing figure in the history of the NBA due to his formidable physical presence. Opposing teams frequently employed the “Hack A Shaq” strategy, intentionally fouling the 7’1″ and 325-pound O’Neal to exploit his sole weakness, which was his free throw shooting.

However, this tactic did not deter O’Neal from securing four NBA championships, with three of them accompanied by the MVP award.

He earned the NBA MVP accolade in the year 2000 and participated in 15 All-Star games, clinching the All-Star MVP award on three occasions.

Shaquille O’Neal accumulated a total of 14 All-NBA team selections throughout his career and claimed two NBA scoring titles. Over his career, “Shaq” maintained averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.

In 2009, he made headlines by announcing his conversion to Islam, a decision that came as a surprise to many given his longstanding Christian faith.

4. Kyrie Irving

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Kyrie Andrew Irving, a professional basketball player with dual Australian and American citizenship, currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He earned the title of Rookie of the Year after being chosen as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA draft.

With eight All-Star appearances and three selections to the All-NBA Team, he achieved NBA championship glory with the Cavaliers in 2016. Irving is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional ball handlers in the history of the sport.

In early 2021, Kyrie Irving, a Muslim, reportedly converted to Islam. Speculation about this development initially arose when he made a kneeling gesture before a game, resembling a practice of prayer in Islam.

Notably, during the Arabic month of Ramadan, Irving was observed fasting even while actively participating in NBA games.

5. Dennis Schroder

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Dennis Mike Schröder, a professional basketball athlete hailing from Germany, currently competes for the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

His earlier basketball career included playing for SG Braunschweig and Phantoms Braunschweig in Germany. He then spent his initial five NBA seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and later played for two years with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Schröder holds sole ownership of his hometown German team, Basketball Loewen Braunschweig in the Basketball Bundesliga, and has been the majority shareholder since 2018.

In 2023, Schröder guided the German national team to their first World Cup victory at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, earning recognition as the FIBA World Cup MVP. It’s worth noting that Dennis Schröder is a devout Muslim.

He has openly discussed his faith and demonstrated his commitment to Islam through his actions. His family members also adhere to Islam, underscoring its significant role in his identity.

6. Gorgui Dieng

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Gorgui Sy Dieng, hailing from Senegal, is a professional basketball player who most recently competed for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Dieng’s journey in the league commenced when he was chosen as the 21st overall pick during the 2013 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz.

However, he was swiftly traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night. For a span of seven seasons, he was an integral part of the Timberwolves before making a move to the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2020.

In March 2021, he reached a mutual agreement for a contract buyout with the Grizzlies, leading him to join the San Antonio Spurs in free agency. Subsequently, he inked a deal with the Hawks in August 2021. Interestingly, in July 2022, he returned to the Spurs.

Born into a devout Muslim family in Senegal, Gorgui Sy Dieng was under the guidance of his father and received early education in Quranic studies.

7. Jaylen Brown

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Jaylen Marselles Brown is an accomplished American basketball player who currently plays for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. After completing his freshman season, Brown decided to enter the 2016 NBA draft.

He was chosen by the Celtics as the third overall pick. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated versatility by playing both shooting guard and small forward positions.

Brown boasts an impressive record as a two-time NBA All-Star and played a pivotal role in propelling the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals. Additionally, Jaylen Brown is recognized for his adherence to the Muslim faith, which includes observing the fasting period of Ramadan.

8. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

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Rondae Jaquan Hollis-Jefferson is a professional basketball player with American and Jordanian heritage, currently competing for the TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

He enjoyed a six-season tenure in the NBA and showcased his skills in college basketball as a member of the Arizona Wildcats. Notably, Hollis-Jefferson adheres to the practices of the Muslim faith and follows a pescetarian diet.

9. Jusuf Nurkic

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Jusuf Nurkić, a Bosnian professional basketball player who practices Islam, currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. With an imposing height of 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) and a weight of 290 lb (132 kg), he operates as a center.

He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. Additionally, Nurkić proudly represents the Bosnian national team on the international stage.

10. Rasheed Wallace

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Rasheed Abdul Wallace is an American basketball coach and former professional player. A native of Philadelphia, he played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Wallace holds the single-season record for technical fouls. He is a follower of Islam.

11. Al-Farooq Aminu

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Al-Farouq Ajiede Aminu is a Nigerian-American professional basketball athlete. His most recent stint was with the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Aminu also represents Nigeria on the international basketball stage.

He was chosen by the Los Angeles Clippers as the eighth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. In addition to the Clippers, Aminu has showcased his skills with the New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls.

Notably, Aminu’s lineage traces back to a succession of Nigerian monarchs, and he practices the Muslim faith.

12. Ersan Ilyasova

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Ersan Ä°lyasova, a Turkish retired professional basketball player who follows the Islamic faith, had a career spanning 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

This included an impressive tenure of nine seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Additionally, he showcased his talent in Turkey, Spain, and the NBA Development League.

13. Enes Kanter Freedom

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Enes Kanter Freedom, a Turkish-American professional basketball player, was most recently part of the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Additionally, he briefly pursued a career in professional wrestling and even held the title of WWE 24/7 Champion.

Born in Switzerland to Turkish parents, he was raised in Turkey before relocating to the United States during his teenage years. Kanter Freedom was chosen as the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz.

Specializing as a center, he played for five different NBA teams over an impressive eleven-year career. From 2008 to 2015, he also represented the Turkish national team in international competitions. 

Notably, Kanter Freedom is a devout Muslim, a facet of his identity that was notably evident in 2019 when he shared his experiences of observing Ramadan during the NBA playoffs, which involved fasting during daylight hours while actively participating in professional basketball games.

14. Omer Yurtseven

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Ömer Faruk Yurtseven is a Turkish basketball pro who currently competes for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. He previously showcased his skills in college basketball for both the NC State Wolfpack and the Georgetown Hoyas.

Standing tall at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 275 pounds (125 kg), he primarily operates as a center on the court. Additionally, he adheres to the Islamic faith.

15. Tariq Abdul-Wahad

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Tariq Abdul-Wahad, originally known as Olivier Michael Saint-Jean, is a French basketball coach and retired player. During his college years, under the name Olivier Saint-Jean, he was part of the basketball teams at Michigan and San Jose State.

In the 1997 NBA draft, he was chosen by the Sacramento Kings as the 11th overall pick. Afterward, he embraced Islam and adopted the name Tariq Abdul-Wahad. From 1997 to 2003, Abdul-Wahad competed in the NBA, representing teams such as the Kings, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks.

He holds the distinction of being the first player born and raised in France to make it to the NBA.

These famous Muslim basketball players have not only excelled on the court but have also broken barriers and served as role models for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Their achievements reflect their talent, dedication, and the values they hold dear. They’ve shown that faith and sports can go hand in hand, inspiring fans and leaving an indelible mark on the world of basketball.