What a great 48 hours it has been for LSU#10 Angel Reese. For her senior day ceremony, she had NBA legend and LSU alumnus Shaquille O’Neal alongside her mother for her game against Kentucky, which LSU won 77-56, with Reese scoring 22 points.

On Shaq’s birthday whom she considers a father figure, she shared a wholesome message on her story. Shaq reshared Reese’s story. She wrote: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GOAT! SUCH A BLESSING TO HAVE AN AMAZING PERSON LIKE YOU IN MY LIFE! LOVE YOU ALWAYS LEGEND !!”

Bob Starkey, current assistant coach at LSU, has coached both Shaq and Reese. He says how both athletes always were ready for public pressure from the limelight they received being famous. Both of them are strong personalities who have immense respect for the school and are full of warmth.

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Reese on the importance of Shaquille O’Neal in her life

In her interview with USA Today she explained how there is no better person than Shaq to guide her, and how O’Neal helps her with smart decisions not only inside the court but also in real-life experiences. She is thankful as the 4-time NBA champion has a business acumen that very few possess alongside his doctorate.

She also elaborates on how Shaquille O’Neal guides her through her tough times. Recently when she was on a break from the team. Shaq advised her to not use social media during that time. Reese was called out on social media for not playing for the team. Shaq who is very aware of how the social media rumor mill works, mentored her to stay away from it, and stay close to her real people.

Lastly, she made a very important point that a lot of people forget. “We have fun, and if I need anything, he would help me and he would do that even if I never played basketball again. He doesn’t care about me as a player, he cares about me as a person.”

The good times continue as after the match hours later She after being named SEC Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC, and All-Defensive Team. 

LSU fans were cheering for her to stay one more season, but with her stocks so high up it is unlikely.

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