Before entering the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal made headlines with his dominance and talent in college basketball. The Big Aristotle played three years for Louisiana State University and is among the four players whose jersey numbers have been retired. Recently, 52-year-old Shaq revealed a startling reason behind joining LSU.

Shaquille O'Neal Reveals Reason Behind Choosing LSU

Shaquille O’Neal (Image Credit: Getty Images)

In his recent appearance as a guest on The OGs Podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, Shaq discussed different rivalries, comparisons between old and current NBA, his championships, and other captivating subjects. He also revealed that his adoration for a lady made him join LSU as his college.

He said, “It was one girl named Madison… She was so goddamn fine… She was a senior; she was 24. I was like, ‘damn, you’re so beautiful.’ And she’s like, ‘yeah, you come here. I’ll tutor you.’ I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do with you.’ Madison, if you’re watching this, I love you.”

Shaq averaged 13.9 points and 12 rebounds in his first year at LSU, followed by a second year with 27.6 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game. In his 90 NCAA games, he averaged 21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks.

Not Enough When You Making $250M: Shaq Mocks Rudy Gobert

Shaq revealed his unique way of motivating his former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant in the podcast. He also took a jibe at Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who responded to the 52-year-old’s criticism on X (formerly Twitter).

Shaq answered his response and said, “If you’re talking about your accomplishments of those little trophies you got that’s not enough when you making $250 million young man, it’s not enough. You want to impress me and UD and Mike….”

While his former Miami Heat teammate asked the Wolves center to win a championship and put an end to this beef, Gobert has won four Defensive Player of the Year awards; however, he has yet to win an NBA championship. With Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves recorded 56 wins last season and are among the top contenders to lift the NBA title this season.