By Kent Lowe
LSUsports.net
How many times has someone older than you come up when a topic was being discussed and said, “I remember when. . . .”
In the case of Shaquille O’Neal, I can really truly tell you, “I remember when. . . .”
Oh, the book I could write. The stories I could tell. The money, compared to his, I wouldn’t make.
But I am someday going to be able to say, “I remember when Shaquille came back to LSU and got his diploma and his number retired, all in the same weekend.”
Frankly, I think it’s pretty cool what is happening here this weekend. I sometimes wonder, however, if he isn’t just a little bit tired of all these people he’s never seen before tugging at him right and left to do this and sign that. It’s part of the gig of being a celebrity, sometimes the ugly part. Everyone wants a piece of you and expects you to agree wholeheartedly.
But Shaq has held up remarkably well, if you ask me. I don’t see or talk to him as much as the three years he was in college, obviously, but he always makes a point to stop by our office and see everyone when he comes to town in the summer. He doesn’t have to. He doesn’t owe me a thing. If he doesn’t remember who I am, that doesn’t matter. But the fact that he will stick his head in the door, shake my hand and ask how I’m doing means a lot to me.
The two of us did go through a lot in our three years together at LSU. I put him in front of more microphones and cameras than he really wanted to face, I’m sure. Speaking of pulling and pushing, I did my share. But it’s part of my job and he was the one everyone wanted to speak to and talk about.
Now I don’t have that kind of control over Shaq these days, so don’t come calling on me for all your interviews this weekend. You’re on your own. I’m enjoying watching this one myself.
Just think about the uniform that goes up on display tonight? On one side of Shaq is Bob Pettit. On the other side is Pistol Pete Maravich. Pettit, O’Neal, Maravich. Three of the greatest the game has ever had to offer. Three members, all from LSU, of the NBA at 50 team. I’d take those three and two of the ballboys at courtside (and aren’t there a lot to choose from) and I think I could probably give you a good game.
Both events are wonderful, but in the grand scheme of things, the events of Friday and the graduation ceremony are certainly more important. Shaquille kept a promise to his mother that one day he would walk the walk on the floor of the Assembly Center at graduation. The time has come. It’s a wonderful moment. It’s good publicity for LSU. It’s big publicity for Shaquille. The NBA is foaming at the mouth to get the word out on a story this good. It’s a public relations person’s dream.
But it’s reality for Shaq. The honor of having your jersey retired is wonderful. I’m sure the Lakers will retire Shaq’s many years from now. But a college degree is for a lifetime. It’s the mark of a true man. A mark of a mature man and Shaquille O’Neal, despite the heart of a kid sometimes has matured into a true man that every parent would be proud to call their own.
Talent. It’s such a small word with such a big meaning. Shaquille O’Neal is a talent. He is larger than life. He is a great ambassador for this university and this weekend he has carried the name LSU higher and farther than anyone ever imagined.
Shaq, your jersey will hang forever in this building as a sign of your greatness. I hope your diploma has a prominent spot in your home where it will forever be a remembrance of some special times at this school and the special accomplishment you made to complete your degree at LSU. Welcome back, Shaq, as you officially join the list of distinguished degree-holding alums. Those of us in that group, welcome you gladly.
Oh by the way, there is a game tonight. A very important game tonight. UNO comes in and they may be the best team on the schedule to this point. This is an important game to send LSU off to the West Coast to face Arizona.
Here’s hoping a little of the Shaq Magic will rub off on the Tigers this evening. Enjoy the game!!!