10 Interesting facts about Shaquille O’Neal you might not know

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant players ever to play in the NBA. In his prime, he was unstoppable and unguardable in the paint. His body was no doubt naturally gifted, but he had to work hard to become the center he was.

Shaq was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. Before he came to the NBA, he was a star in the college. With all the hype that surrounded his draft, there was no doubt he would be that year's first pick.

In his first match for the Magic, he took 18 rebounds and made a record for the most rebounds in an NBA debut after Bill Walton in 1974. He finished as a 4-time NBA champion and 15-times NBA All-Star.

But this was all on the court. Shaq was and is an entertaining figure off the court too. I am listing ten interesting facts about Shaq that proves that he is one of the most entertaining athletes on this earth.

#10 He has a Doctoral degree

Shaq has a great NBA career and but many people do not know that Shaq took his studies seriously. Looking at Shaq, one can't say he is a studious guy. But the case is literally the opposite.

Shaq was good in studies during his college days. He was good in the classroom and had the highest grade point average on his freshman year team.

Shaq left college early to play in the NBA, but this was not going to stop him from completing his studies. He put in the required work to earn his Bachelor's degree. Also, he earned a doctoral degree towards the end of his playing career.

These things show that how dedicated person Shaq was and his NBA career is also a proof of it.

#9 Made just one career three-pointer

Big Men making three-pointers is a common sight these days and in fact, it is turning into a requirement. However, it was not the case during those days. Shaq was a horrible three-point shooter. He made just a single three-pointer his entire NBA career out of the 22 attempted.

Have a look at that Memorable moment:

#8 Shaq and Kobe war was real

Shaq and Kobe feud has a full Wikipedia page on it. According to sources, Kobe and Shaq had personal differences and a lot of arguments related to their roles in the team.

They both even got into physical altercations during practices. The end result of this feud was Shaq getting traded to Miami and Kobe was retained by the Lakers.

#7 Shaq is a U.S. Deputy Marshal

Shaq was interested to be a police officer during his NBA days, so he trained with the police officers in LA. He was named US Deputy Marshal in May of 2005.

#6 Shaq is a huge WWE fan

Shaq is a big WWE fan. He has made multiple appearances on WWE RAW, and in one of the show had a confrontation with the Big Show.

There were rumors about him officially joining WWE, but it never came true.

#5 Shaq has a Platinium Album

TAO Group In Minneapolis For Big Game Weekend At The Lumber Exchange Building Presented By Element Electronics

Shaq's love for hip-hop music is known to everyone. Shaq released four albums before winning the NBA title. His debut album was "Shaq Diesel" which sold a million copies and got the US Platinium status. Shaq can surely call himself a rap star.

#4 Shaq missed half of his free throws

Phoenix Suns v San Antonio Spurs, Game 2

Players intentionally fouling Shaq so that he could miss the free throws was a popular tactic against him. He was a horrible free-throw shooter. He shot 52.7% from the free throw line in his regular NBA career. One of the surprising fact about his free throw percentage is that he has never shot more than 60% even once in his 19-year old NBA career.

#3 He was named "Player of the Week" in his very first Week in NBA

Shaq was a special player and his first week was impressive. He was named as the "Player of the week" because of his amazing performances.

He is the first person to win that award in the first week of a Player's NBA career.

#2 He wore #33 in for a reason

Boston Celtics v Cleveland Cavaliers, Game 1

There was a reason he wore number 33 in college at LSU. Shaq scored a lot of his points using the hook shot, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the master of the hook shot.

That is why he wore number 33. He also wanted to wear this number when he was drafted in the NBA but was already taken, so he went on with 32 with Orlando Magic.

#1 His father was a hooper and a drug addict

American Express Fan Experience at NBA All-Star Weekend 2018

His father's name is Joseph Toney. Toney was a good basketball player and also a drug addict. His addiction forced him to go to jail when Shaq was very young.

Because of these reasons, Shaq has no relationship with his dad, and they don't talk to each other.

Edited by Abhinav Munshi