“In order to touch daddy’s cheese, you gotta have 3 degrees.” Shaquille O’Neal’s message regarding education in his household is very clear. In fact, he follows that himself too, after all, he has 3 degrees to his name. The latest one Ed.D degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University. Before that Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. But it all started with a B.A. degree in General Studies (Minor in Political Science) from LSU. However, for his own academic development, it wasn’t just LSU that helped in his collegiate career; it was an HBCU

During one of his earlier episodes of the podcasts, a fan asked the Lakers legend about his support for HBCUs. To answer the question, Shaquille O’Neal first referenced his son, Shaqir, before the transfer portal being part of FAMU, which is a Historically Black College and University. Then he revealed his personal story. “It was an HBCU to help me graduate from LSU. Lot of people don’t know the story. But I had to transfer to Southern for summer school.”

Back in 2021, Shaq mentioned this during an Inside the NBA episode. “I have a confession. If it wasn’t for an HBCU, I wouldn’t have graduated from LSU. I couldn’t pass biology at LSU, so I called and transferred to Southern University. They let me take a biology class.” Even though the 4x NBA champion was not full-time enrolled in an HBCU, he still got their help. Because of his son, he got to see the real culture of those programs.

“I mean I’ve always been a big supporter and going there, the flavor, the feeling, like sometimes I sit and I say, ‘Man, I wish I would have went to HBCU.‘” The Lakers legend was hinting at his HBCU hoops experience at the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) tournament. His son’s team, Florida A&M University (FAMU), faced off against Jackson State University.

After this, Shaquille O’Neal highlighted another important issue. “I’m a really big supporter of HBCUs. I just wish somehow they the funds that they’re giving these guys, I wish somehow they could you know, give us some grants so we can give it to our players also.” The Lakers legend previously highlighted a similar money issue, but in a different tone towards his alma mater.

Shaquille O’Neal issued warnings to the program

The warnings have not been directed to LSU for their work, but his issue is with the current NIL structure. “NIL, I think, is definitely gonna hurt people.” Multiple times, the 4x NBA champion has echoed a similar sentiment. In 2021, student-athletes received the positive update about cashing in on their personal brands. However, that has led to more collegiate players entering the transfer portal for more money. In fact, the number for this year has already surpassed 1000 college athletes. Which is why the warning from Shaquille O’Neal.

The idea of athletes bouncing from one program to another just for the money doesn’t sit well with him. “I told the people at LSU I’m not writing you guys a check if guys aren’t going to commit to us for 2-3 years.” He pointed out how the transfer frenzy is sidelining young high school recruits who now get overlooked because schools prefer players who already have college experience. “I feel sorry for them,” he said, clearly frustrated.

Let’s be clear, Shaquille O’Neal is not against student-athletes making money. He previously stated, “happy for these kids.” However, he wants them to focus on development and not just money. After all, his father advised him to enter the NBA a year early and rather focus on his development. With his personal experience, Shaq is making sure to drive the point home.