?I Wanted to Cry Inside..?: After All the A** Whuppings, Shaquille O?Neal Was Forced to Hold His Emotions Inside on the Most Important Night of His NBA Career in 1992

Shaquille O’Neal was probably one of the most talked about players in college basketball. The Big Aristotle stood 7 feet tall at the age of 21. Shaq signified dominance from just his looks and everyone foresaw his legacy. The big man’s upbringing was based on the idea of tough love. Shaq went through everything with a lot of mental fortitude to become an NBA legend. In his recent HBO documentary, he recalled his early days when he debuted in the league while also trying to be a good son.

Shaq was the first draft pick for the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA draft. A moment that was the amalgamation of years of hard work, during which he had to hold back his tears.

Shaquille O’Neal had to suppress his emotions on 1992 draft night

In 1992, Shaq decided to forego his senior year at Louisiana State University to be eligible for the NBA. The then-21-year-old was dominating the hardwood floors, making him the talk of the town.

His decision was a tough one, and he hoped to be the enigma he was thought to be. With his full family present at the 1992 NBA draft, Shaq was selected as the first pick for the Orlando Magic. In the recent HBO documentary Shaq, the Los Angeles Lakers legend described the moment and his emotions.

“I wanted to cry inside” said the four-time NBA Champion. He further added, “But being raised by the Sarge, you’re not allowed to be emotional. You’re not allowed to be soft. And in my mind ‘I’m here’, ‘I’m here’. All the a** whuppings, all the doubters ‘I’m here'”

The Lakers legend’s upbringing was a major reason why he wasn’t really crying much. His father, Sgt. Phillip Harrison was from the military and raised Shaq with a lot of tough love. The seven-foot giant understood his father’s way of loving and imbibed it into his personality.

ALSO READ:? Witty Shaquille O?Neal Shares Son Shareef?s Roast for $1.7 Million Yacht Hilariously Confusing Fans: ?Why Does His Dad Look Like Shaq??

Shaq is incredibly loyal to his parents and he always credited them for all the success in his life.

Shaq’s attitude towards his parents changed his life?

The Big Aristotle was always attentive to what his parents had to say. According to his own words, his massive fortune after retirement is largely due to his parents’ guidance. The big man has imbibed much of their parenting style into his own.

Watch This Story: Mark Wahlberg roasted Shaquille O’Neal with mean Charles Barkley, John Cena and Dwyane Johnson comments in 2015

The seven-foot giant mentioned how even five years into his professional career didn’t stop his father from giving advice on his game.