Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal is no stranger to the spotlight. But his latest move has landed him in hot water with NBA fans. The former LSU star recently praised Angel Reese. He may have intended to show his support for women’s basketball. But his remarks have sparked a heated debate.
In the wake of the Tigers’ historic victory in the college basketball national championship, O’Neal made a bold declaration on his podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq. He stated that Angel Reese is the greatest athlete to have ever graced the halls of LSU.
"She's probably the greatest athlete to come out of LSU sports. Man and female."
– Shaq on Angel Reese
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 11, 2023
This praise for Reese is well-deserved. Her impressive statistics throughout her first season with the Tigers are the proof. Averaging 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, she also set a new Division I women’s basketball record with an astounding 34 double-doubles in a single season.
O’Neal even went so far as to rank her above himself, and above former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow led the football team to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy in 2019.
What did fans say about Shaquille O’Neal?
Despite the enthusiasm of O’Neal and other fans of LSU basketball, not everyone is convinced that Reese deserves such high praise. Some critics have questioned whether O’Neal’s comments are out of touch, or whether he is overlooking other great athletes from LSU’s past
One Twitter user expressed their skepticism with a simple but cutting remark: “LOL joke of the year.”
LOL joke of the year.
— Jacob (@XecratioN) April 12, 2023
Another took a more measured approach, stating that Reese “is not even top 20” in their estimation of LSU’s all-time greatest athletes.
She’s not even top 20
— Yung G.O.A.T (@FukbeinSocial) April 11, 2023
One fan remarked that “Shaq [is] on that shit. Some new shit.”
Shaq on that shit. Some new shit.
— ♠️🖤♠️ (@Mac_Roberts) April 11, 2023
These conflicting viewpoints highlight the ongoing debate over the value of women’s sports and the recognition of female athletes. Some dismiss Reese’s achievements as irrelevant or inferior. But others see her success as a step towards greater equality and representation in the world of college sports.
Whatever your perspective, it’s clear that Shaquille O’Neal’s praise of Angel Reese has sparked a passionate conversation that shows no signs of slowing down. Let us know your thoughts about Shaq’s comments.
