Background
Published in October 2024, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon” by Mirin Fader chronicles the journey of Hakeem Olajuwon from his early days in Lagos, Nigeria, to his influential career in the NBA. The biography delves into his time with the University of Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama,” his pivotal role in leading the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships, and the development of his signature move, the “Dream Shake.” It also explores how Olajuwon’s deep commitment to Islam shaped his approach to basketball and life, inspiring many within the Muslim community. The book further highlights his ongoing contributions as an international ambassador for the sport, including his work with NBA Africa and mentorship of current NBA stars.
My Thoughts
Growing up in Utah, we watched the Jazz play the Rockets and I very much knew who Hakeem (or at the time Akeem) Olajuwon was. Or at least from our limited perspective. My father would complaint about how “dirty” the other team was playing and would get upset with the calls. That was my understanding of right and wrong as a young person who had grown up hearing the moral of the story from He-Man GI-Joe and others. When I moved away, I was shocked to hear that our own Karl Malone was known as one of the most dirty players out there. The truth seems to be that it was a very physical game and everyone did it. Along with Olajuwon.
As with most things in life, there is much more to the story. Olajuwon was much more than the dirty player I saw on TV. His isn’t a perfect story, but it follows the archetypical hero’s journey in showing how he found himself, his faith, and his purpose.
Recommendation
If you are a fan, I’m sure you will love it. If not, it was still a good read.