Talent scouting in the NBA is an intriguing prospect. However, there are often players who are seen as “can’t-miss” prospects in each draft. Shaquille O’Neal was one such prospect leading up to his draft eligibility.
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And how could that not be the case? Shaq was a physical specimen who was as nimble as a perimeter player. The big man had led his high school team to a 68-1 record over a period of two years and then went on to become a star at the collegiate level too, winning the NCAA men’s basketball team player of the year title in 1991.
Shaquille O’Neal was a household name before he even made the NBA, with all his accolades preceding him. Even the ones around O’Neal recognized how absurdly talented the big man was.
In Shaq Uncut, The Big Diesel revealed how one instance stuck with him. It involved Shaq’s phenomenal success in high school with the coach who guided them to glory.
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How did Shaq’s coach Madura respond to The Big Diesel’s success?
Shaquille O’Neal was freshly removed from leading his team to the State Championship at the High School level. O’Neal was without a doubt the star of the circuit and put on epic showings along their run.
Such was the impact Shaq had, that his coach was brought down to tears even. “Right after the game Coach Madura pulled me into one of the stalls in the locker room and grabbed me and hugged me, and then he started to tear up. It was the first time I had ever seen a grown man cry. He told me, “I knew when you arrived at school you were going to be a great player, but I never allowed myself to think we’d win the whole thing. You’re going to do great things in college” described Shaq of the wholesome moment.
Coach Madura was in awe of the big man’s talent. The talent which earned Madura and Robert G Cole High School success was a special one. Madura’s prophecy came true. Shaq went on to have a dominant career in college too, taking home individual honors aplenty.
Shaq necessarily didn’t enjoy the occasion though. “It kind of made me uncomfortable at the time. Here I am, this seventeen-year-old kid who has spent most of his life trying to be cool, and now my coach is crying in my arms. I didn’t get it at the time. I do now.
O’Neal as an adult, realized how special the moment was. A rewarding memory for an incredible career indeed.
What did the numbers from Shaquille O’Neal’s high school career look like?
If you wondered what sort of showings Shaq put up to get his coach to tears, we have the answer for you. O’Neal averaged an obscene 31 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, and 9 blocks for his high school career. A career that spanned 69 games.
The best night out of those, arguably, included a 25-25-25 statline unseen otherwise. The Big Diesel scored 26 points, collected 36 rebounds, and swatted an incredible 26 blocks on an incredible night.
No doubts prevailed as to O’Neal’s promise. And he didn’t disappoint one bit. A legendary career was laid down at Robert G Cole High School and Coach Madura definitely is grateful for it.
Also Read: NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal to perform at US Grand Prix as DJ Diesel
