Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey), or Shaq as he is popularly known, is known as one of the National Basketball Association's most dominant basketball players. O'Neal first played for the Orlando Magic, later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and now plays for the Miami Heat. At 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), 340 pounds (154 kg) and U.S. shoe size 22, he is famous for his physical stature. He has several nicknames, most of which he conferred upon himself, such as "the Diesel", "the Big Aristotle", and "Superman."

Accolades

• O'Neal has been selected to the All-Star Game every year since his rookie season in 1993 (except for the 1999 lockout season, in which the game was not held).
• He has received All-NBA-Defensive honors in 2000, 2001 and 2003, though he has never been a first-team selection.
• O'Neal was a key member of the 1994 World Championship and 1996 Olympic basketball team, which won gold.
• He has been selected by the NBA as one of the "50 Greatest Basketballers" in 1996. He was the youngest member of this list.
• In 2005, O'Neal became the first player in NBA history to average over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game for 13 seasons.
• O'Neal has earned All-NBA-Team honors in 11 of his 13 seasons.
• He also was awarded the MVP in the 1999-00 season and in the 2003-04 All-Star game.
• O'Neal has a business law degree from LSU. At LSU there is a lodge called the "Shaquille O'Neal Lodge," which is part of the Cook Conference Center.
• On June 25, 2005 O'Neal earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

O'Neal was ranked #9 in SLAM Magazine's Top 75 NBA Players of all time in 2003.

Related Topics:
SLAM Magazine - 2003

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