“You Don’t Have to Be Like Me”: Despite $600M Net Worth and Superstardom, Shaquille O’Neal Has a Stern Message for 19-Year-Old Son Shaqir

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has six children. Even though he does not put any pressure on his children to pursue basketball, two of them have decided to follow in his footsteps. Notably, Shareef O’Neal followed his father’s lead and played college basketball. Despite his heart condition, Shareef did not give up and is currently playing for NBA G League Ignite. On the other hand, Shaqir O’Neal has just entered college and is actively pursuing a spot in the major leagues. However, his father Shaquille O’Neal had a strong message for him recently after a game.

Shaqir O’Neal now plays college basketball for Texas Southern. Recently, Shaq went to watch Shaqir play and had some things to say when interviewed at the university premises.

Shaquille O’Neal watched Shaqir play college ball

Shaquille O’Neal visited Texas Southern University to watch his son Shaqir O’Neal play basketball. Before the game, the four-time champion stated that he is a proud father. He added that he is happy to watch his son play college basketball and get an education. Shaq said, “I’m proud. A father to see his son in college, get an education, just play ball, just happy. I always tell him all the time, you don’t have to be like me.”

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Being the child of a superstar is not an easy thing. There is constant pressure to emulate the success and accomplishments of the parent. Also, every move of the child is constantly under the microscope. That is the case with Shaq’s children as well.

So The Big Diesel makes sure to take some pressure off his children by telling them they don’t have to be like him despite his $600 million net worth and superstardom. Furthermore, it would be hard for anyone to emulate the feats of an All-Time great like Shaq.

Listed at 6’7″, Shaqir is a first-year Tigers forward. This season, he has played 8 games so far and averages 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. With an FG% of 31.8, he is struggling with his shot attempts. TSU fans will be hoping Shaqir would improve his shooting in the upcoming games.

Shaq honored his promise to his parents

Shaquille O’Neal was a highly-rated prospect during high school. The former MVP then joined LSU and became a superstar overnight. His parents always wanted him to finish college before he takes his talents to the NBA. Shaq had reluctantly agreed. However, things changed when his coach suggested he should declare for the NBA draft.

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Coach Dale Brown was not happy with the hard fouls Shaq had to go through in college games. He was afraid a serious injury could hamper the young star’s future. So Shaq declared for the draft and the Orlando Magic selected him as the #1 pick. Years later, the Los Angeles Lakers legend came back and finished his college degree to honor his parents’ wishes.