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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – JULY 02: Shaquille O’Neal (L) and Charles Barkley attend The Greenbrier for the gala opening of the Casino Club on July 2, 2010 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for The Greenbrier)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20201026143843/GettyImages-102592409.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV – JULY 02: Shaquille O’Neal (L) and Charles Barkley attend The Greenbrier for the gala opening of the Casino Club on July 2, 2010 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for The Greenbrier)
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the best players of all time. He got his name etched on the NBA’s top 75 players list. The fans who witnessed his plays could tell how great he was. But without his family, Shaq couldn’t have achieved so much success in his career. Shaq has spoken on multiple occasions about how supportive his family was. He specifically mentions the name of his stepfather on how he influenced O’Neal to become one of the best on the court. Just like he had so much respect for his father, his father also had a big place for Charles Barkley in his heart.
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Shaquille O’Neal grew up in a household without his father. His mother took care of him and tried to provide him with everything to progress further in his career. However, Shaq’s stepfather, Sarge Harrison, fulfilled the absence of his biological father. His father helped him get disciplined and get the best out of him. He remembers how his father coached him during his high school days. And also ensured a strict routine for him to keep him away from negative influences.
A special place for Charles Barkley in the heart of Sarge Harrison
According to Shaquille O’Neal, his father also had a big place for Charles Barkley in his heart. “You got to rebound like Barkley and get some elbows up,” said Sarge Harrison, former basketball player, and Shaq’s stepfather.
His father wanted Shaq to follow the playing style of Barkley. The statement from Diesel’s father clearly depicted how much respect he had for ‘The Round Mound of Rebound.’
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LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O’Neal (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers is congratulated by his father Philip Harrison (L) after the Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 106-88 in Game Two of the NBA Western Conference first round play-offs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA 26 April, 2001. O’Neal was the high scorer with 32 points as the Lakers take a 2-0 lead in the series. AFP PHOTO/ Vince BUCCI (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)
Moreover, Shaq is thankful to Barkley to let teach him the moves required in basketball. When Shaq was a rookie, he got to learn how to play mean and reckless basketball along with throwing some elbows. That’s why, just like his father, Diesel also had a special place for Charles Barkley in his heart.
Shaquille O’Neal and his remarkable career
The Hall of Famer turned TV analyst is now most famous for nitpicking around the NBA universe. He is also famous for giving his views on his social media handles and trying to remain trendy. The Diesel keeps himself busy by engaging in intriguing conversations on the internet often.
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However, the fans should not forget about the legacy of Shaquille O’Neal on the court. He won the NBA championship four times, along with getting the honor of being MVP in the finals three times. He finished his career with an average of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
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Watch this story- Bill Russell Net Worth: How Rich Was the NBA Legend as Compared to Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James?
What are your thoughts on the views of Shaquille O’Neal’s father? Do let us know in the comments.
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