Shaquille O’Neal Makes Inspiring Appearance to Show Rising Basketball Stars Support at Nike Showcase

Shaquille O’Neal is watching out for the future stars of the hooping world. Teen basketball athletes are facing off in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Scholastic Showcase in Las Vegas currently. Between a hectic TNT coverage of the NBA In-Season Tournament this week, Shaq stopped by their game on Friday.

The NBA page shared, “@shaq in the building for Montverde Academy vs. Link Academy Nike EYBL Scholastic Showcase hoops on ESPNU!” to announce his presence courtside. The clip showed the 4x NBA champion making his way to the courtside seats and he can be seen happily posing for a photo as well.

Florida’s Montverde and Branson Missouri’s Link varsity basketball teams met for their neutral non-conference game. Montverde was able to win the game 71-59 on the back of 20 points by Derik Queen. The Florida-based private school, which boasts Brooklyn Nets player and LSU grad Ben Simmons as an alum, has welcomed Shaq to other games in the past. He was also there in the 2013 game when they took the championship title.

He’s also been involved in Nike EYBL, especially through his kids. He had a coaching stint when Shareef O’Neal and Bol Bol were playing as elite high school prospects. Earlier this July, he was at the Nike EYBL showcase to cheer for his youngest, Me’Arah, the future Gators star.

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Shaq isn’t the only one interested in the national top prospects of this draft, though. The NBA is keeping a keen eye on them too.

Nike EYBL attracts NBA teams

During the In-Season tournament, the NBA has given teams the green light to attend the Nike EYBL Scholastic Showcase. The games are at the T-Mobile Arena on December 8-9. The same venue is hosting the tournament and Shaq is covering the NBA games from the TNT booth outside the court.

Scouts from NBA teams will watch the top national college prospects play in this game as part of the diversifying partnership between Nike and the league. Some of the EYBL games will also be broadcast on the NBA app and NBATV.

The participating schools will also take part in NBA seminars, coaching development sessions, and outreach activities. We’re anticipating updates of Shaq giving these kids a pep talk through these sessions. What are your thoughts on the Big Aristotle showing up to support the rising stars of the country? Let us know in the comments below.

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