Saturday, 23 November 2024

Shaquille O'Neal

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Basketball
Statistics: 4 NBA Championships (2000, 2001, 2002 & 2006)
1 NBA MVP (2000)
8 All-NBA First Team Selections (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006)
15 All-Star Games (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2009)
3 NBA Finals MVP (2000, 2001 & 2002)
2 NBA Scoring Titles (1996 & 2000)
1 AP Player of the Year (1991)
2-Time First Team All-American (1991 & 1992)
2 SEC MVPs (1991 & 1992)
28,596 NBA Points
13,099 NBA Rebounds
2,732 NBA Blocks
1 Olympic Gold Medal (1996)
1 FIBA World Championship Gold Medal (1994)
1 FIBA World Championship MVP (1994)
Member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame
Member of the FIBA Hall of Fame
Number retired by the Orlando Magic
Number retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
Number retired by the Miami Heat
Number retired by LSU
Named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Shaquille O’Neal was a physical anomaly. His gargantuan presence dominated the paint, and his personality was as large as his frame.

A two-time All-American at LSU and AP College Player of the Year, O’Neal was not just a player but a game-changer. His draft by the Orlando Magic marked the beginning of a new era for the team, leading them to their first NBA Finals. Seeking greater fame, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, where, along with a young Kobe Bryant, they became an unstoppable force, winning three NBA Championships and the 2000 MVP.

The O’Neal/Bryant imploded, but Shaq was the first to win a fourth ring, his coming with Miami. O’Neal won two scoring titles overall, was a 15-time All-Star, and was an eight-time First Team All-NBA Selection.

There were many big men in sports, but only one was Shaquille O’Neal.

We are proud to nominate Shaquille O’Neal for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.

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