Shaquille O’Neal’s father, Sergeant Phillip Arthur Harrison, once had several of his teeth knocked out by Celtics legend Dave Cowens. Harrison, who trained Shaq in his early days, had the opportunity to play pick-up basketball with the future MVP in the summer of 1969. The intensity of the match cost O’Neal’s father to lose a number of his front teeth.

Cowens didn’t play for Celtics back then. The future 8-time All-Star was a Florida State University recruit and spent some time in Newark at a classmate’s house. The chance encounter between the two remains a memorable NBA story.

Shaquille O’Neal and his father’s relationship

Shaquille O’Neal grew up in a single-mother household without the presence of his biological father. Shaq’s mother, Lucille O’Neal, did her best to give her kids the opportunities to succeed.

Shaq’s stepfather filled the void that his biological father left in his life. He helped him become more disciplined, made him the best version of himself, and instilled the necessary tools for success. Shaq owes him a great deal to steer him away from the path of oblivion and delinquency.

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

“Mom Was On Her Death Bed”: Mavs Star Dereck Lively Narrates Painful Aftermath Of Late Mother’s Demise

April 23, 2024 09:33 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

NBA Twitter Rips Celtics Guard After His Confident Remark For Game 6 Against Stephen Curry’s Warriors

As a matter of fact, Shaq often talks about how his father inspired him to be a real man. The Big Diesel tries to follow in his father’s footsteps and has been taking care of everyone around him, especially his family.

Shaq’s father Sarge Harrison

Harrison was a basketball player, too. Therefore, he played a vital role in the development of Shaquille O’Neal in his early days. In fact, he used to coach Shaq’s team during his high school days.

But most importantly, Harrison taught Shaquille the core qualities required to become a world champion, discipline, work ethic, and mental fortitude. He applied a strict brand of discipline to Shaquille to keep him out of the streets of Newark and away from any bad influences.

Shaq often expresses his gratitude towards the contributions of his old man whenever he gets the opportunity. He respects his decision to take a child that is not biologically his and raise him to be a man. That inspired him to think about others in need.

Watch this Story: Stephen curry best final performances

What do you think about Shaq’s father playing Hall-of-Famer and 2-time NBA champion Dave Cowens? Comment below.