THE FLAME OCTOBER 2025

What’s New with FISLL: Allan Houston set to speak at McLendon Foundation leadership session

FISLL founder and Olympic gold medalist Allan Houston will lead a McLendon Foundation Essentials Session on the art of legacy-driven leadership. Houston will speak on Thursday, Oct. 9. The event will take place at the Durham Convention Center.

Through FISLL, Houston is empowering youth through workshops and conversations to live a life rooted in leadership. The goal? Curate a legacy that impacts others.

Allan’s Thoughts:

Houston reflects on how he’s been challenged spiritually “Increase your level of expectation within faith,” he says.

FEATURE: Houston Center Jacob McFarland recovers from leg injury, looks forward to season

Houston sophomore center Jacob McFarland broke his leg a few weeks before the start of the 2024 collegiate basketball season. After months of rehab, he’s fully healthy and ready to leave his mark on the Cougar program. But the journey back hasn’t been easy.

McFarland had to learn how to walk and jog again. The California native also experienced moments of loneliness and self-doubt.

“I questioned why God let this happen to me,” McFarland said on FISLL’s monthly call on Sept. 22.

McFarland said he focused on the “big wins,” but started to appreciate “little successes,” such as walking without a limp and doing warm-up exercises as time progressed. Little strides led to complete recovery. Looking back, McFarland understands why God allowed him to endure the injury.

“It taught me to be more grateful. I felt like I was trying to rush stuff last year,” McFarland said. “(Kelvin Sampson) was liking me last year, so I was thinking I’m gonna play a lot, but God had other plans. He said, ‘You gotta sit down and be more grateful.’”

McFarland wants to prioritize being aggressive and getting tips and offensive rebounds this season. As McFarland tries to rediscover his love of basketball, he returns to the court with gratitude and a hunger to redefine his legacy.

“I don’t want to be defined by this traumatic injury,” McFarland said. “I want people who are in the same boat as me to realize that anything is possible if you really believe it.”

Word of the Youth

How a broken leg changed McFarland’s view on faith: Hear more from McFarland on how his recovery journey reshaped his perspective on faith.

Want to join the FISLL team? We’re hiring!

Use ‘Join the team’ photo from email blast

The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation is searching for a content creator intern! Are you passionate about storytelling, digital content, and making a positive impact?

Then this job is for you!

The intern will help us bring our mission to life through visual content and social media storytelling.