Discipline often separates the good from the great in basketball. From Michael Jordan’s legendary workout routines to Kobe Bryant’s unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft, the records of NBA history are filled with stories of players whose determination took them toward greatness. But what happens when that same discipline extends beyond the hardwood and into the realm of business? Shaquille O’Neal, the larger-than-life personality who dominated the court for nearly two decades, recently made a revelation about the secret behind his empire.

In the recent video posted on Shaq’s YouTube, the seven-footer discussed first breaks and mantras to follow with a group of young entrepreneurs and players who are just stepping into the world of business. Shaq too shared two mantras that have helped him become who he is today. “The two things that has helped me, discipline and listening. You know one of my favorite quotes is ‘The greatest leader is the one who hire people that are smarter than them. You guys are here because you are smart,” said Shaq in the video.

Now consider the contrast between O’Neal’s strategy and other athletes who have ventured into business. For every Magic Johnson, who built a business empire through smart partnerships and delegations, there’s an Antoine Walker, whose lack of financial IQ led to bankruptcy, despite earning over $100 million during his NBA career. Shaq has used his years of business knowledge and his mantra to slowly and steadily make deals and endorsements which has allowed him to expand his brand into diverse sectors including restaurants, real estate, and technology investments.

The Los Angeles Lakers icon has a net worth of $500 million. During his time in the NBA, he has earned $292 million in salary and $200 million from endorsements from different brands. He was one of the first people to invest in companies such as Apple, Google, Lyft, Vitaminwater, and Ring. Interestingly, the aforementioned companies were quite small when Shaq invested in them but they turned out to be a huge success.

Not only this, he also had 155 stores of Five Guys Burgers, 40 branches of 24-Hour Fitness, 17 stores of Auntie Annie’s Pretzels, 150 car washes, a movie theatre, a retail center, and nightclubs in Las Vegas. His recent venture into the fast food business by opening the restaurant chain ‘Big Chicken‘ in 2018, which earns an annual revenue of $31.6M, helps him to keep up with his net worth.

So we look back at Shaquille O’Neal’s journey from NBA superstar to business mogul and there’s no chance of doubt as to how he got here. The qualities that turned him into a force on the basketball court — dedication, adaptability, teamwork — have also been great assets in the business realm. However, the seven-footer wasn’t the only basketball player to share an insight into their first steps into venturing.

Juan Toscano-Anderson reveals his ‘first break’

Juan Toscano Anderson, who shortly played in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers recently shared a story in Shaq’s ‘The Break’ video. While everyone at the table had an answer related to the business or work they did, the 31-year-old gave a new perspective. “I think my first big break was getting a free scholarship to college. You know, started me into adulthood like debt free and I was just able to maneuver in life without those obstacles,” said Anderson in the video.

The 31-year-old went to Marquette University on scholarship and played for the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team for five years which the NBA veteran Dwyane Wade has also represented in NCAA. This opportunity provided him with a platform to showcase his talent. After going undrafted in 2015, he played in Mexico and Venezuela before earning a spot with the Warriors’ G League affiliate. His hustle and versatility eventually landed him a role with the Warriors’ main roster, where he contributed to their championship run in 2022.

This scholarship opportunity not only provided Toscano-Anderson with a quality education but also a platform to showcase his basketball skills at the collegiate level. It laid the foundation for his future professional career, ultimately leading to his inspiring NBA journey. Now with Shaq’s guidance, he just might become one of the up-and-coming businessmen.