Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal ("Shaq" or "Big Diesel") (born March 6, 1972) is a retired American professional basketball player. He used to play for the Orlando Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns, the Cleveland Cavaliers and finally the Boston Celtics.
He played collegiately at Louisiana State University for three years, then gave up his final year of NCAA eligibility to enter the 1992 NBA Draft. The Magic picked "Shaq" with the first selection. Although a dominant center, he was known for his poor free throw percentage, leading to the "Hack-A-Shaq" technique of intentionally fouling a player who didn't shoot free throws well.
Shaq has abstained from alcoholic drinks since he was 13 years old.[1] He is also known for his fun-loving personality (which he has used to become a television commercial spokesperson for many companies), and for a rap album (a notable track, "Biological Didn't Bother", mentions the absence of his birth father in his life, he considers his stepfather -- a retired Army soldier -- to be his father figure).
Shaq ultimately adopted the Muslim religion, as did Muhammad Ali before him.
Entrepreneur
Shaq is one of the most successful endorsers and businessmen among ex-professional athletes. He has invested in the brand names of many other celebrities.[2]
Nicknames
- Shaq (Most Famous)
- Diesel
- The Big Aristotle (Self-imposed, often used on ESPN)
- The Big Cactus (Given when traded to the Suns for Shaun Marion)