Every athlete has their own ritual to get into the zone. Big Diesel’s ritual suits him too. Shaquille O’Neal is in China mixing work with pleasure. He most recently connected with Chinese NBA fans and relived his past glory. Fans naturally wanted to know what was his must-do routine before a game. By most standards, it’s quite imitable.

In case you want to follow the Philosophy of Shaq, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has shared it plenty of times. But just for his Chinese fans who’re enjoying every bit of the giant’s presence in the country, he threw in a bit of comedy too.

Shaquille O’Neal changes his routine for a $6.6 billion company

Work trips would never be dull if your colleague is Shaq. The big man has livened up the streets of China with his antics, from taking pictures with kids to traveling on a puny scooter. He’s there for work though and he squeezed in some of that too. A packed basketball court hosted Shaquille O’Neal in an event promoting the NBA. He entertained fan questions including about his recent reunion with on-court rival, Yao Ming.

The subject of their clashes led to a discussion about Shaq’s playing career. Hence, fans wanted to know what was the Big Diesel pre-game ritual.

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Shaq was prompt and specific. “Two turkey club sandwiches, take a cold shower, shave with Gillette.” 

He paused after listing each thing to let the multi-lingual host interpret to the audience. The last one made fans roar in laughter before the host finished translating. The event was in collaboration with the $6.6 billion shaving brand and there were reps from the shaving titan in attendance.

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O’Neal apparently pointed at a Gilette rep when he so wittily promoted. That proves why he’s starring in a gazillion commercials.

His pre-game rites aren’t new. Shaq is like many athletes who hold on to that tiny bit of superstition to get in the zone. He’s narrated the same many times before but with a few tweaks.

Shaq’s pre-game routine over the years

Not long ago, Big Diesel revealed what he had to eat before a game when he was an Orlando Magic rookie.

It included spaghetti, meatballs, and one piece of bread from a specific Italian restaurant. But he also said, “I had many, many pre-game rituals.” Another time he disclosed he savored two turkey club sandwiches, fries, and a pineapple soda before a game.

After the game, whatever the result, he had to get a chicken sandwich and macaroni.

His new disclosure sounds like an extension of his compulsory routine. Though the little shaving quip was more of a marketing pitch. Let’s see if Gilette is making a commercial of Shaq’s supposed pre-game ritual anytime soon.

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