Shaquille O'Neal Biography

Dec 27, 2006

Shaquille O'Neal has made the Miami Heat one of the top teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference. Check out Kidzworld's bio on this giant-sized NBA superstar.

Shaquille O'Neal - Baby Shaq

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey. His first two names mean "Little Warrior" in Arabic - but baby Shaq would grow up to become anything but little. Shaq spent much of his childhood in Germany, where his dad was stationed with the US Army. When his family moved back to the United States, Shaq began a massive growth spurt. When he was 13, Shaq was already 6'6" and a star basketball player at Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas. College scouts across the country took notice and by the time he headed to Louisiana State University, Shaquille O'Neal was more than seven feet tall.

Shaquille O'Neal - Tiger Shaq

Shaquille O'Neal dominated college basketball just as he did in high school. In three years with the LSU Tigers, Shaq set several school records for points scored and rebounds and was named College Basketball Player of the Year in 1991. In 1992, the 7'1", 303 pound Shaquille O'Neal was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in the NBA draft.

Shaquille O'Neal - Shaq Magic

Shaquille O'Neal made an immediate impact in the NBA. He averaged more than 23 points per game during his rookie year and made national headlines with two thunderous slam dunks, which broke the supports holding the backboard and basket. In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals where they were swept in four games by the Houston Rockets. The following year, Shaq left Orlando for the glitz and glam of Hollywood and the LA Lakers.

Shaquille O'Neal - Shaq vs. Kobe

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant arrived together in LA in 1996 and would become one of the NBA's best guard-center combos. The two helped the Lakers win three straight NBA titles between 2000 and 2002. Despite the Lakers three NBA titles, Shaq and Kobe were constantly feuding over playing time, who should get more shots and just about everything else. The feud didn't seem to bother too many people as long as the team was winning, but once the NBA titles stopped, it was time for Kobe and Shaq to split. After the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA finals, Shaq asked to be traded and was sent to the Miami Heat. The return of the Shaq Attack to Florida has turned the Miami Heat into one of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Shaquille O'Neal - Shaq Fun Facts

Shaq is obsessed with Superman and even has a Superman tattoo.
Shaq spent several years learning to rhyme and has recorded five rap albums. He has also acted in several movies, including Steel and Kazaam.
When Shaq retires, he says he'd like to become a police officer, somewhere near his home in Florida. He's preparing for his future career by taking police academy training.
Shaquille O'Neal married his girlfriend, Shaunie Nelson, in 2002. They have three children, Shareef Rashaun, Amirah Sanaa, and Shaquir Rashaun.