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Shaquille O’Neal Treasures a Life Lesson Taught to Him by His Stepfather:
Shaquille O’Neal played 19 NBA seasons and became an all-time great. His path, however, included severe parenting from his stepfather. Phillip Harrison, took an unusual approach to teach O’Neal a crucial life lesson.
Shaquille O’Neal’s legendary NBA career
O’Neal entered the NBA with a lot of excitement, and his performance lived up to those lofty expectations.
Because of his stature and power, the LSU product quickly established itself as a dominant force in the paint.
He gradually grew into a skilled low-post force, becoming the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty.
He and Kobe Bryant guided the Lakers to three NBA titles in four Finals appearances during his eight-year time with the franchise.
He subsequently helped lead the Miami Heat to their first NBA title, alongside emerging star Dwyane Wade.
O’Neal’s supremacy waned as he matured and bounced around various teams in the final years of his storied NBA career.
He won four NBA championships and three NBA Finals MVP trophies throughout his 19-year career, as well as 15 All-Star Games and 14 All-NBA choices, and a regular-season MVP award.
His jersey has also been retired by the Lakers, Heat, and Orlando Magic.
But, before O’Neal even stepped foot on the NBA court, his stepfather shaped his attitude toward his trade.
Shaquille O’Neal remembers an important life lesson his stepfather told him as a child: ‘I never wanted you to be satisfied.’
Growing up, O’Neal was raised in a strict family by his stepfather, Phillip Harrison, who established the tone of his life.
Harrison was essential in molding the NBA Hall of Famer’s personality, particularly via his discipline and dedication to the game.
During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, O’Neal revealed that his stepfather used to hide the accolades and trophies he received while participating on minor sports teams.
“He constantly took my trophies and put them in a box,” O’Neal recalled. “I never showed them.
So, as I grew older, I questioned him, ‘I never wanted you to be satisfied,’ he added.
So, after he died several years ago, I retrieved all of his trophies.
In his honor, I created a trophy room, and I’m doing the same for my children.
“I let them present their trophies for whatever they win, and then I say, ‘Thank you very much,’ because I never want them to be pleased.”
It may have been a harrowing experience, stopping O’Neal from genuinely appreciating his achievements at times, but it set the tone for him to seek more.
His stepfather never wanted him to be satisfied with his accomplishments.
It’s apparent that it had an impact on his thinking and approach to life.
It laid the groundwork for him to become one of the NBA’s greatest players.
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He will be eternally thankful to his stepfather
O’Neal played in the NBA for nearly two decades, establishing himself as an all-time great.
However, the famed big man believes that without his stepfather’s strong parenting and supervision, his life would have turned out very differently.
“I respect him more for raising someone else’s child — and punishing that child as if it were his own,” O’Neal remarked, according to The Undefeated.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for him.”
I’m relieved he did it. I did some crazy things, like stealing automobiles, hanging around with dangerous people, and being near drug dens.
No. They grew up in quite distinct ways.”
With his work ethic and dedication to his trade, O’Neal may have done all of the heavy liftings.
However, the Hall of Famer is grateful for his stepfather’s influence in his life.
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