Security keeps Hakeem Olajuwon from celebrating with Cougars after improbable Final Four comeback

Houston won one of the most thrilling and improbable games in NCAA Tournament history on Saturday night. And all-time great Hakeem Olajuwon was there to take it all in.

Sort of. In fact, he tried to join the team on the floor for the post-game celebration, only to be denied.

Video emerged of the incident after the fact, and you can see the sheer dismay in Olajuwon’s face as he’s informed he won’t be allowed onto the floor. One man, presumably from Houston’s entourage, even appears to intervene to help him past security.

To no avail. You can check it out below.

In Houston's win over Duke, program legend Hakeem Olajuwon was hoping to join the team on the court in celebration, but security wasn't having it.

One man even tried to vouch for him, but no luck pic.twitter.com/tlncbOMhoX

— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) April 6, 2025

It’s unfortunate that Hakeem Olajuwon wasn’t able to enjoy the moment with the team. He’s one of the most famous alumni in school history. He’s also a Houston legend.

Olajuwon played for Houston from 1981-84 before going on to the NBA Draft. He was the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft.

He then played for the Houston Rockets for years, with a career that spanned from 1984-2002. Only the final year was spent with another team (Toronto).

Hakeem Olajuwon won two NBA titles with the Rockets and was a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He was the league MVP in 1994 and was a 12-time All-Star.

Suffice it to say, he’s probably not used to not being let onto the floor after a game. Particularly in a place so close to the region he dominated in for decades.

Odds set for Houston vs. Florida

Despite the setback of not being allowed on the floor, Hakeem Olajuwon has the bonus of knowing his team has reached the national championship game. That’s no small feat, as it’s only the fourth time in school history the Cougars have gotten that far.

Going forward, Houston will take on Florida for all the marbles. And Las Vegas has released the odds.

Florida opened as a 1.5-point favorite over Houston in the title game, according to FanDuel. The over-under also opened at 141.5.

It will be strength-on-strength once again in the national championship. Florida enters the game No. 2 in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom, while Houston is the most efficient defense in the nation this season.