Shaquille O' Neal: One Tall Talent

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

19 May 2006 03:47 AM

Born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, Shaquille Rashoun O'Neal is frequently referred to simply as "Shaq". His biological father, Joseph Toney, gave him the name, which is Persian in origin. His mother, Lucille O'Neal Harrison, married Army Sergeant Philip Harrison and it is this man whom Shaquille considers his true father figure. He spent some of his childhood in Germany where his step father was stationed in the US Army and it was there that he learned the sport that would carry him to international fame and renown.

As a boy, O'Neal fractured his wrists while climbing between two trees trying to emulate his hero, Superman. That is the reason why he makes only half of his free throws. He became a star in junior high school while attending Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Louisiana State University and graduated with a degree in business.

This accomplished athlete is one of the National Basketball Association's most dominant basketball players (and not just because of his size either)! At 7' 1" and 325 pounds, there are few that can equal his physical stature or match his size 22-shoe size. He entered the league at 20 years of age, and his 13-year career is not only one of the most impressive, but has also become a standard, as he is considered one of the greatest "center players" in the entire history of basketball.

In 1995, after three seasons in the NBA Draft Orlando Magic under the tutelage of Magic Johnson, O'Neal left to join the Los Angeles Lakers under an unprecedented seven year, $120 million dollar contract. In July of 2004, he was traded to the Miami Heat

He continues to serve as an outstanding role model for all those who aspire to sports greatness.

Stand tall, Shaq, like only you can!

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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