NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of the richest athletes in the world and he likes to live a lavish lifestyle. However, this wasn’t the case while growing up. He faced numerous hardships and he talked about them recently in a sit-down with entrepreneur Gary Vee.

Talking with Gary Vee, O’Neal touched upon his time at LSU. He wasn’t really great growing fast and people tried to demotivate him constantly. However, being a hustler, Shaq kept on working hard and achieved all that he has currently.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals hardships faced at LSU

7-foot-1 inch center Shaquille O’Neal has had one of the best careers in the NBA. Playing for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, and the Orlando Magic, he won four NBA titles.

However, he never had it easy in life. He grew up in a humble environment with his stepfather and mother playing a huge role in shaping who he is today.

O’Neal’s stepfather worked in the army and would constantly discipline Shaq in order to keep him on the right track. When Shaquille O’Neal joined LSU, it wasn’t easy either. He faced constant rejection from people but he never let it affect him.

Talking about it with Gary Vee, Shaq said, “From 9 to 15, I was terrible. ‘You’re terrible, you’re never gonna make it, you suck, 6-9 you can’t dunk, join the army like your father, you’re never gonna make it.’ And, I’m a hustler you know, keep working. No matter what they say, whoever they may be, keep working.”

Despite all such hardships, he made it big at LSU. Shaquille O’Neal established himself as one of the best prospects in the country and he was drafted #1 overall in the 1992 NBA Draft due to his achievements.

Shaq once gave a valuable lesson to his son who attended LSU

Shaquille O’Neal’s son, Shareef O’Neal has had a similar path to that of his father. He attended LSU and he has also represented the Los Angeles Lakers in the Summer League a few months ago.

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During one of his practice sessions at home, Shareef received some advice regarding his jump shot from Shaq. O’Neal said, “Just because you out there doing cool moves don’t get cool on your shot, Steph Curry ain’t cool on his shot.”

He also stressed getting the basics right instead of going for shots that will make it to the highlight reel. Shareef O’Neal currently is undrafted and he plays for Ignite in the G League.

Incidentally, Shaquille O’Neal received some tough treatment from his father which helped him become the man he is today. Therefore, the Big Aristotle likes to subject his sons to a similar treatment to better them as individuals. This kind of bullying is specially reserved for two of Shaq’s sons who are pursuing basketball, Shareef and Shaqir.

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