The 1992 NBA draft was arguably one of the most skilled classes. Promising talents flooded the ranks. However, there were no debates on who would be the first pick. Notably, all the way from LSU, a dominant Shaquille O’Neal had greatness written all over him. The Orlando Magic didn’t waste any time taking the Big Diesel. The brute college star was ready to announce his arrival. Likewise, a statement rookie season earned Shaq Rookie of the Year honors. However, if it wasn’t for the four-time champion, the award might have gone to another superstar. Decades after their battle, The Big Aristotle is still ready to poke his competitor.

The clip of Shaq overpowering the competition had made rounds. Everyone expected only one thing, for him to take over the NBA. In his first year, the Magic center lived up to his hype. Shaq finished the season averaging 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. He had an immediate impact on the Magic, who improved by 20 games. Shaq also became the first rookie since Michael Jordan to become an All-Star.

His unprecedented collection of accolades made the NBA’s decision easy. Shaq was undeniably the Rookie of the Year. Because of his burst, fellow rookie Alonzo Mourning’s season went under the radar. Decades after beating his peer, Shaq spoke about his approach in his upcoming docuseries, Shaq: The Rookie Season.

Shaquille O’Neal knew he was going to be victorious

Sitting alone in a room, the Los Angeles Lakers revisited the day he won Rookie of the Year. Before being presented the award, Mourning was given his flowers. The 21-year-old Shaq listened in and had a grin on his face as if he knew no one was better than him. Notably, the number two pick was a formidable two-way force himself. Any other year and the award would have the Miami Heat legend’s name. However, going up against a hungry Shaq, the two-time Defensive Player of The Year stood no chance.

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In a clip from Shaq: The Rookie Season, The Big Diesel spoke about the moment. Even decades later, he didn’t shy away from rubbing the victory in Mourning’s face. Shaquille O’Neal said, “I knew I was the Rookie of the Year from game one. It was my mission to let everybody know I was coming. I wasn’t going to take any time off. I was going to learn as quickly as I can. Dominate as much as I can. Again, when you got Laettner and Mourning behind you, its extra motivation. So all that stuff about they had a good season, yeah they had a good season but not as good as mine.”

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Mourning was a beast in the paint. He swatted shots for fun. His rookie year was enough to instill fear around the league. The numbers put him in a similar bracket as The Big Diesel. As years went on, the Miami Heat legend continued his dominance. He won two DPOYs and even made the All-Star team seven times. Unfortunately for Mourning, he came up in the same era as Shaq.

Despite being competitors as rookies, there came a time they allied. Notably, the duo became a critical part of the Miami Heat’s title run in 2006. Shaquille O’Neal helped Mourning win his only NBA championship. Both superstars made the illustrious Hall of Fame for their glorious careers.

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However, as it stands, Shaq will always find a way to show his superiority. Do you think Alonzo Mourning would be a bigger star in any other year? Let us know your views in the comments below.