LSU Nostalgia Strikes Shaquille O?Neal as Rare Video of ?God Father? Collab Goes Viral Ahead of HoF Honor

Usually, it is the rivalries of NBA players that get famous. Whether it be the iconic Michael Jordan-Isiah Thomas beef or any of the Shaquille O’Neal feuds, they are commonplace in discussions. However, something swept under the rug is the friendships these athletes enjoy. While the Los Angeles Lakers legend has a ton of enemies, he might have an equally large number of friends. Whether it be co-host Charles Barkley or Stephen Curry, the 7-footer is as amicable as he is ruthless. But that bond between the TNT crew is something to marvel at. Going strong for over a decade now, the quarters are as thick as thieves.

So, the news of one of them making the Sports Broadcast Hall of Fame led to widespread celebration. Amid the celebration, an old video, courtesy of the big man himself, is gaining popularity.

Before NBA domination, there was LSU Shaquille O?Neal

The tale of the tape of the 4-time Champion’s utter dominance of the NBA is clear as day. However, what goes relatively undersold is the force of nature the big man was at the collegiate level. Like a certain?Captain?before him, O’Neal’s domination began at the high school level.

During his two years at LSU, Shaquille O?Neal would rewrite the domination spectrum. A two-time All-American and SEC Player of the Year, he also won the NCAA men’s basketball player of the year award while leading the tournament in blocks.

Since moving to the NBA in 1992, Shaq has received multiple honors at the college level. While the university inducted him into its own Hall of Fame in 2000, the former Miami Heat Champion became a member of the College Hall of Fame some 14 years later.

Feeling nostalgic, the former MVP uploaded an old clip of his training sessions with fellow NBA greats as a college player. It is, however, the man covering the legend that got everyone’s attention. It was none other than the iconic Ernie Johnson. Speaking of his close friend in the future, Johnson says, “While Shaq is leaning towards staying in school for at least another year, he’s getting the kind of training that can make him, as they say, an impact player.”?

More than 30 years later, the clip feels more iconic. Whether it be Shaq commenting on being ready to “dominate and take over”,?or Portland Trailblazers legend Bill Walton predicting?Diesel’s?success, the clip is nothing, if not a sign for things to come.

However, the most heartwarming part of the clip has to be Johnson’s recital. The newest Sports Broadcast Hall of Fame inductee speaking glowingly about his close friend is as heartwarming as it gets.

The 3rd Hall of Famer on the TNT crew

Both Shaquille O?Neal and the Chuckster’s credentials are in stone. However, that is not to discount the rest of the crew. While Kenny “The Jet” Smith was one of the most impactful players of his time, Ernie’s voice is second to none in the world of sports.

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Rightfully so, the 67-year-old is taking his place among the all-time greats. As he found out via Barkley, the legendary commentator is making his way into the Hall of Fame. Through his 46-year run in the industry, Johnson has become a constant voice for NBA fans.

No other name in the NBA today deserves the honor more than EJ. While he takes his place among the elite, he’ll have two other Hall of Famers, but more importantly, friends by his side.

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