‘Shaq’ O’Neal speaks tonight at O’Connell Center

October 25, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — NBA icon and legend Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal will speak at 8 p.m. today in the O’Connell Center.

The student-run ACCENT Speaker’s Bureau is bringing O’Neal here. Admission is free.

O’Neal started his basketball career at the college level playing for Louisiana State University. In 1992, Shaq was a first-round draft pick for the National Basketball Association, and since then has won four NBA Championships, has been the NBA Finals’ most valuable player three consecutive times as well as played for 15 NBA All-Star teams.

In addition to success on the court, O’Neal extended his successful career to other industries including the film and music industries. He participated in movies such as “Blue Chips” and “Kazaam,” as well as recorded five rap studio albums, including “Shaq Diesel,” which went platinum. Recently, he announced that he will be joining the Turner Network Television, or TNT, as a commentator for NBA basketball games.

These and other achievements, as well as the endorsement of multiple products, have helped Shaq become well-known, both nationally and internationally, and make him an individual with a life story worthy of being shared.

Shaq will be sharing his story at a moderated conversation at the O’Connell Center. He will be answering questions about his career and achievements from the moderator and the audience.