Shaquille O'Neal

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameShaquille Rashuan•O'Neal
Used nameShaquille•O'Neal
Nick/petnamesShaq, The Big Aristotle, Hobo Master, The Diesel, Shaq Fu, The Big Daddy, The Big Agave, The Big Cactus, The Big Shaqtus, The Big Galactus, Wilt Chamberneezy, The Big Baryshnikov, The Real Deal, The Big Shamrock, The Big Leprechaun, Shaqovic
Born6 March 1972 in Newark, New Jersey (USA)
Measurements216 cm / 137 kg
AffiliationsOrlando Magic, Orlando (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest centers in basketball history. Standing 7-1 (2.16), and as much as 330 lbs. (150 kg), he was also one of the biggest and strongest hoopsters ever. O’Neal played college basketball at LSU. In 1991 he was named college basketball’s player of the year. That year he was the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

O’Neal played with the Magic through 1996, and then spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Lakers he won three consecutive NBA titles from 2000-02. Traded to the Miami Heat in 2004, O’Neal played four seasons with them, winning a fourth NBA title in 2006. He eventually retired in 2011 after single seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.

O’Neal scored 28,596 points in the NBA, averaging 23.7 ppg and 10.9 rebounds/game for his career. He was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2000 and MVP of the NBA Finals in 2000-02. O’Neal played in 15 NBA All-Star Games, being named MVP of the game in 2000, 2004, and 2009. He was first-team All-NBA eight times (1998, 2000-06). His jersey numbers were retired by LSU, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Miami Heat.

O’Neal won gold medals internationally with the USA at the 1994 World Championship and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He is a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the FIBA Basketball Hall of Fame.

After retirement, O’Neal used his personality and size to become a well-known product spokesman, frequently appearing on TV in commercials. He also did color commentary on the NBA for the TBS and TNT networks. He has acted in several movies and also produced rap music albums. In retirement he has become one of the most beloved and well-recognized former American athletes.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1996 Summer Olympics Basketball (Basketball) USA Shaquille O'Neal
Basketball, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold

Special Notes