Olajuwon (college) Beats Bird (pros)

July 10, 1983
RENSSELAER, Ind.

Larry Bird went one-on-one against the University of Houston's Akeem Abdul Olajuwon yesterday and was outscored, 4-0. "I couldn't score on him today," Bird said after the short contest in the St. Joseph's College gymnasium. "But I'll guarantee you I'll score on him someday (in the NBA)."

The unexpected duel between the Celtics star and the 7-foot Olajuwon, who rejected a chance to turn pro and will to return to school in the fall, came at the B-C All-Star Basketball Camp.
Bird, a native of Indiana, was putting on a demonstration for about 400 high school players and 200 or so coaches in the gym. Suddenly, he turned to the seats and shouted, "Akeem, get down here. I want to use you a little bit."

Olajuwon came down to the floor and engaged Bird in a slam dunk contest. Then they went one-on-one, and Bird missed each of the half-dozen shots he attempted.