Solomon Alabi
A defensive force who journeyed from Nigeria to the NBA, his shot-blocking prowess at Florida State made him a standard-bearer for African big men in college basketball.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Nigerian basketball player·Birthday: March 21·Millennials
Biography
Solomon Alabi's path was one of towering potential and a global basketball dream. Leaving Nigeria for Florida's Montverde Academy at 17, he was a raw, 7-foot-1 project who quickly learned the American game. At Florida State, he blossomed into a defensive anchor, his long arms and timing making him a fearsome rim protector who earned consecutive ACC All-Defensive team honors. His selection in the 2010 NBA draft was a milestone, placing him among a wave of Nigerian players reaching the league. While his professional career, including two seasons with the Toronto Raptors, was shorter than his college promise suggested, Alabi's impact was foundational. He represented a prototype: the mobile, defensive-minded African center whose success paved the way for scouts to look intently at the continent for talent, changing the geography of the game's pipeline.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Solomon was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Solomon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Solomon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 50th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, later playing for the Toronto Raptors.
- Named to the ACC All-Defensive Team in both his freshman and sophomore seasons at Florida State University.
- Helped lead Florida State to the NCAA Tournament in 2009, their first appearance in over a decade.
- Represented the Nigerian national basketball team in international competition.
Did You Know?
He did not start playing organized basketball until he was 15 years old in Nigeria.
At Montverde Academy, he played alongside fellow future NBA player Luc Mbah a Moute.
His wingspan was measured at over 7 feet 5 inches, contributing to his shot-blocking ability.
After his playing career, he has been involved in basketball development initiatives in Nigeria.
“My role was to protect the paint, rebound, and alter every shot I could.”
