Shaquille O'Neal

ABOUT

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, commonly known as Shaq, is one of the most dominant figures in the history of professional basketball. Born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, O'Neal's staggering physical presence, at 7 feet 1 inch tall and approximately 325 pounds, combined with his athletic prowess, made him one of the sport's most formidable players. Over his 19-year NBA career, he played for six teams, most notably the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. Shaq is a four-time NBA champion, a 15-time All-Star, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

BEFORE FAME

Growing up, O'Neal faced a challenging upbringing. He often moved with his family due to his stepfather's military career. Despite these early challenges, he found stability and direction in basketball. Playing for Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas, Shaq led his team to a 68-1 record over two years and won the state championship. He then attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he became a two-time All-American and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as the NCAA men's basketball player of the year in 1991.

TRIVIA

Shaquille O'Neal is not just known for his basketball skills; he has also made significant contributions to entertainment and business. He has released four rap albums, with his debut, "Shaq Diesel," going platinum. An aspiring actor, Shaq has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Blue Chips" and "Kazaam." In addition to his entertainment career, O'Neal is a successful businessman and investor. He earned an MBA through an online degree program at the University of Phoenix. Notably, O'Neal also serves as a reserve police officer and has worked in various law enforcement capacities in locations such as Miami Beach, Tempe, and Golden Beach.

FAMILY LIFE

Shaquille O'Neal comes from a family that has been close-knit and supportive throughout his storied career. His mother, Lucille O'Neal, and his stepfather, Philip Harrison, played significant roles in his upbringing. Shaq has six children: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, Me'arah, Taahirah (whom he had with ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh), and Myles, who is from his marriage to Shaunie O'Neal. Shaq's children have often been seen emulating their father's steps both academically and athletically, especially Shareef who pursues basketball at a collegiate level.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his illustrious career, Shaquille O'Neal has been associated with some of the biggest names in basketball. He played alongside Kobe Bryant during the Los Angeles Lakers' dominant early 2000s run, where they secured three consecutive NBA championships. Their partnership, though occasionally contentious, was one of the most successful in NBA history. Shaq also teamed up with Dwyane Wade to deliver the Miami Heat their first NBA championship in 2006. Off the court, O'Neal's larger-than-life persona has seen him cross paths with numerous celebrities and public figures, from music icon Michael Jackson to tech mogul Jeff Bezos, reflecting his widespread influence beyond basketball.