The sports world is mourning the loss of a women’s basketball icon. While she had battled cancer in the past, the unfortunate news of her passing shook many, including basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal. The 3x WNBA All-Star was part of the team that eventually led to the creation of the WNBA. In a touching tribute, Shaq shared a post on his Instagram story, joining millions of fans in mourning the untimely demise of the beloved athlete.

Let’s find out more about this 2x Olympic gold medalist and how the fans poured in with their tributes.

Remembering the 2X Olympic gold medalist

Nikki McCray-Penson, a former WNBA player and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, passed away at the age of 51. Known for her exceptional skills on the court, McCray-Penson left a lasting impact on the world of women’s basketball. After her college career, McCray was part of the Olympic Gold medal-winning team in 1996, which is credited for leading to the inception of the WNBA in 1997.

She went on to become a coach after retiring from the WNBA in 2006. Her most successful moment came in 2017 when she was an assistant coach on Dawn Staley’s staff in South Carolina. The Gamecocks won the NCAA championship and McCray received a lot of plaudits for her work.

Off the court, she went through a lot of issues with her health. In 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she successfully went into remission later that same year.

McCray became the head coach of the Mississippi State women’s basketball team in 2020 but had to resign just a year later because of health concerns. She passed away on Thursday while reportedly battling cancer and a bout of pneumonia. She is survived by her husband and her son.

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Tributes poured in from former teammates and various people whose lives she touched.

Shaquille O’Neal joins fans in mourning the women’s basketball icon

Former NBA forward Tracy Murray posted a heartfelt post paying respect to McCray. He wrote, “Nikki was one of the best people I?ve ever known. We were both in Washington at the same time. She was with the Mystics and I was with the Wizards. Rest easy Sis! This is a hard one!???? #RIPNikki.”

His post was shared by his former teammate, Shaquille O’Neal, on Instagram. Shaq’s act showed respect for the late athlete.

The news sparked an outpouring of condolences from people around the world. Staley shared a post about her “little sister” on Twitter.

WNBA icons Sue Bird and Candace Parker also paid their respects to McCray on Instagram. They were joined by 5x NBA All-Star Chris Webber and millions of other fans from around the world.

One fan commented,?“So sorry for your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you guys,”?on Murray’s post. Another fan wrote, “Nikki was a best on the court. Rest Eazy Nik, gotcha family lifted during this troubling time. May you and Kim reunite in heavens court.”

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The comments reflect the sentiments shared by many fans who have been touched by McCray-Penson’s remarkable journey and contributions to basketball.