As one of the most anticipated sports docuseries since the infamous Last Dance, HBO’s SHAQ finished airing a few weeks ago. The intriguing four-part docuseries covers the different phases of Shaquille O’Neal’s eventful life. Consequently, fans of the Los Angeles Lakers legend were made privy to less-known stories of his life and career through the episodes. In the first episode, where fans witnessed the Hall of Famer’s life before the NBA, O’Neal confessed to going above and beyond to achieve greatness. Moreover, he also shed light on how he once crossed the line in college to accomplish his goals.

Shaquille O’Neal went above and beyond to improve in college

After taking stock of his NBA career, it is difficult to imagine Shaquille O’Neal ever fighting for minutes on the court. However, before the NBA, like everyone, the 7’1” center had to prove his worth to coach Dale Brown at LSU for getting quality minutes on the court. 

When he arrived at LSU, O’Neal had a tough time adapting to the college system in his freshman year. Due to his struggles and the presence of Stanley Roberts (a proven center at LSU), O’Neal played limited minutes. However, in his sophomore year, O’Neal entered the spotlight as Roberts flunked the year. Moreover, his fuel and drive to get better pushed him to go above and beyond. 

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While talking about LSU in the first episode, O’Neal admitted to once crossing the line to improve. The Hall of Famer shed light on the unknown story of taking inspiration from Chris Jackson (a star player at LSU). He said, “..Chris Jackson doesn’t know this, but I used to follow him. I knew he used to work out at night but nobody was allowed to go in there. So I broke in there and he was talking to himself, ‘Shoot’, and it seemed like he wasn’t missing. So I am like ‘okay, if this is what he’s doing to be great, Ima’ do it.'”

Read More – “I Was 6’9 – 6’10… Definitely Wasn’t Going to College”: Millionaire Dr. Shaquille O’Neal Tried to Act Oversmart and Earned Himself a Scholarship at Age 13

O’Neal’s inspiring journey to the NBA

The Big Fella’s crossing the line and sneaking in to observe Jackson’s routine undoubtedly helped him to reach his goals. Taking inspiration from Jackson’s routine and work ethic, O’Neal quickly climbed the team ranks and became a superstar in his sophomore year. In the same episode, his coach Dale Brown said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player consistently get better and better and better. There was no question, not one doubt in my mind he was gonna be a superstar.”

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In his three years at LSU, O’Neal averaged an impressive 21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Moreover, he won 14 individual awards over those seasons, including 2x SEC POY and the 1x AP POY. Consequently, O’Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic as the number 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft; and as they say, the rest is history.