NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most loved basketball players ever. Despite being retired for some years now, he is still one of the most popular personalities in the game. Recently, the NBA traveled to the Middle East for the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games. Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks played against each other. Shaq was an ambassador of the event alongside other legends of the game. However, none bigger than the four-time NBA champion.

O’Neal was definitely the most sought-after legend owing to his immense popularity. During an interview with the Mirror, Shaq talked about buying a house for his mother after the Orlando Magic drafted him in 1992. He stated that he grew up in small houses, so he had to buy her a big house before he got himself one.

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“I brought me a couple of cars and a bit of jewellery, but before I even got myself a place I had to buy my mom a palace, because we grew up in small houses. I was very, very blessed, I got a lot of money, so I just had to make sure she was straight,” Shaq said.

Parents shaped the life of Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal came from very humble beginnings. His biological father was not around and his mother Lucille O’Neal struggled to raise her children as a single mother. She gave birth to O’Neal when she was just 18. Lucille once recalled the struggles she had to endure.

“I was a baby myself, just out of high school. But I grew up and became a woman quick. I knew I had a big, big responsibility then,” she said.

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Lucille then married Phillip A Harrison. He was an army sergeant who became a father figure to Shaq. His parents played a major part in the upbringing of O’Neal. The former MVP has extensively talked about some of the various life lessons taught by his parents.

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Because of his father’s occupation, O’Neal grew up on army bases. He soon became one of the best high school players in the country. Shaq once disclosed he had only lost one game in two years of high school. He was dominating his opponents for fun. Then many top colleges lined up to get him. He chose to play for LSU and won multiple individual accolades.

After three years of college, he declared for the NBA draft.