Angel Reese adds one more evidence for why she’s Louisiana State University’s very own GOAT. Her combined accomplishments before she’s even graduated college has earned her a coveted honor. It fits beautifully into her dreams to be an inspiration for young girls like herself. A big credit to her newest achievement goes to her biggest (quite literally) hypeman, Shaquille O’Neal.

The legendary Tigers alum has been in her corner since day 1. And he’s a major reason her star is rising.

Shaquille O’Neal’s “niece” is a big earner

The Black Enterprise media brand has revealed its 2023 collective of 40 Under 40. The 2023 class includes visionaries from various fields. Leading the charge in sports is LSU’s Angel Reese. Black Enterprise was especially eager to announce this addition on social media.

“Congrats, @Reese10angel ! BE’s 2023 40 Under 40 showcases the 21-year-old basketball sensation, NCAA Women’s Final Four MVP, and top college earner with $1.7M in NIL deals, including Reebok with Shaquille O’Neal. Explore the full 2023 #BE40under40,” the media house revealed.

Other than making LSU the no.1 program in the country, Reese enters this list thanks to her NIL deals. The biggest one is of course the partnership with Reebok under its new leadership, Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. Both have hailed her as a GOAT and commemorating their first brand signing with her only made it more special.

While Reese’s first championship run had a fair bit of controversy, she channeled another great from the Tigers history, Shaq, to be her authentic self. That same alum was in her corner from the get-go. They’ve also developed an honorary uncle-niece relationship.

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In October, Shaq marked his big return to Reebok as the president of the basketball division with The Answer as his Veep. Within days, both hinted their first order of business should be making a splash with the “GOAT.”

Their first appointment was revealed to be Angel Reese fresh off her first championship. The details and the value of the partnership between Reebok and Reese aren’t public but it made her a shoo-in for the BE list.

Reese’s combined NIL deals value at an estimated $1.7 million, putting her in the top 10 high-earning college athletes. That value will only grow with expectations as she plays the current NCAA season.

Shaquille O’Neal has one expectation from LSU GOAT

Reese’s Reebok signing was timed perfectly with her return to LSU to defend their title in the NCAA championship.

Her mentor, Shaquille O’Neal, showered her with so much praise, she said the four-time NBA champion “puts so much pressure on me.” O’Neal in turn insisted that she’s the best athlete in LSU over himself because she did what he could never do – win an NCAA championship. He told her she needs to put humility aside and win another championship for their school.

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Shaq’s encouragement is working. It’s why the Bayou Barbie is one of the 40 Under 40 everyone wanted to see.