We often talk about the wives behind successful NBA stars – Savannah James, Ayesha Curry, and many more. These women stand as pillars of strength, holding it down through thick and thin. But there’s another group of women who made sacrifices, worked tirelessly, and prayed endlessly for them. Yes, we are talking about their mothers. The ones who fought for their sons long before they were superstars. Recently, Shaquille O’Neal’s mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, opened up about her journey on Beyond the Red Carpet with Ny MaGee on YouTube.

Reflecting on her tough role as a mother, she said, “Well, I prayed so hard to be a good mother.” Lucille admitted that her parenting journey wasn’t always easy, but her goal was to set a positive example for her children. Her memoir, While I Have Your Attention, sheds light on those struggles, but above all, it’s a story of resilience and faith.

“And I told my children and still tell my children, my grandchildren, be real, be real about yourself. If you’re going to say something, make sure that you live up to what you said,” Dr. Lucille shared during the interview. Mrs. O’Neal didn’t stop there, though. She revealed that her husband played a key role in motivating her throughout the parenting journey. “My husband used to say you gotta walk it like you talk it.” Sonya Curry, Stephen Curry’s mother, can certainly relate to praying to god to be a good mother.

Last year, she appeared on Jemele Hill’s podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered, to discuss her own parenting struggles. As a young mom and wife of an NBA player, Sonya wrestled with questions like, “How am I gonna be the wife of an NBA player?”

Interestingly, Sonya also revealed that faith played a massive role in her life. In her memoir Fierce Love, she shared a shocking revelation—she had once considered aborting Stephen Curry. But a powerful experience at church changed everything. “God just wouldn’t let me go,” she told Jemele. That moment of faith became a cornerstone for her family, much like it did for Lucille O’Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal and Steph Curry’s moms teamed up for a special cause

Just months ago, Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen Curry’s moms already teamed up for a special project called Raising Fame. During an appearance on TODAY to promote their new show, both Lucille O’Neal and Sonya Curry were in for a surprise. Their famous sons had recorded touching video messages, making the moment even more special for them.

Steph Curry kicked things off with heartfelt gratitude: “Hi, Ma. I just want to say congratulations on the new show. Just want to say thank you for all that you have done for me, Seth, Sydel, and our whole family. We’re forever grateful for your influence in our lives. Just want to say we love you.”

Shaquille O’Neal followed up with his signature charm. “Good morning, Mommy. Thank you for being a loving, super fabulous, intelligent, beautiful, and positive role model in the lives of not just me, but our entire family. I can’t say thank you enough, so I’m going to say it five times in a row: thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you… Hi, Mrs. Curry. Love you, too!” Shaq’s playful message was a hit, bringing smiles all around.

The purpose of the show? The show Raising Fame dives deep into the unique parenting experiences of these two mothers. “Parenting, first of all, does not come with any instructions,” Mrs. O’Neal explained, while both women aim to share their insights and experiences on raising children in the spotlight.