Coogs' House! BACK TO BOOK CLUB! Joined by Mirin Fader, New York Times Best Seller, to talk about Hakeem Olajuwon's transformative journey from the basketball court to spiritual enlightenment is a story of resilience and faith. Discover how the Houston Rockets' legend navigated his return to Islam, including his Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in 1991, and how this spiritual path influenced his life and career. Explore Olajuwon's heart scare early in his career, a pivotal moment that could have altered his trajectory before his championship triumphs. Relive the Houston Rockets' 1994 NBA Championship victory over the New York Knicks, marked by Olajuwon's calm leadership amidst the chaos of the O.J. Simpson car chase. Uncover the unique ways Olajuwon celebrated his success, reflecting his deep religious convictions. Gain insights into the collaborative process of writing a book about Olajuwon, featuring contributions from renowned sports writers. Tune in for an engaging discussion on Hakeem Olajuwon's remarkable path and the legacy he left on and off the court. 0:00 Intro 1:18 Akeem Olajuwon's Spiritual Journey 5:09 Community Support and Faith 8:11 Pilgrimage to Mecca 12:12 Health Scare and Spiritual Resilience 16:27 Contract Disputes and Personal Growth 21:19 1994 NBA Finals and O.J. Simpson Chase 27:42 Winning the Championship Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts!