Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA legend and Reebok Basketball President, has never been shy about his admiration for Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward and LSU alumna. O’Neal has boldly declared Reese as a “chosen one” in women’s basketball, a star with the potential to break barriers and rival the likes of WNBA icons and even NBA greats. His belief in Reese transcends her on-court performance, highlighting her ability to redefine the game, inspire a generation, and elevate the visibility of women’s basketball.
Reese, who burst onto the national stage during LSU’s 2023 NCAA Championship run, has quickly become a household name. Her tenacity, rebounding prowess, and unapologetic charisma have drawn comparisons to O’Neal himself, who sees her as more than just a player but a cultural force. “She’s probably the greatest athlete to ever come out of LSU sports. Man and female,” O’Neal proclaimed on *The Big Podcast* in 2023, a statement that raised eyebrows but underscored his conviction in her transcendence.
As Reese’s mentor and boss at Reebok, O’Neal has backed his words with action. In October 2023, he signed Reese as the face of Reebok’s basketball revival, a move that marked her as the cornerstone of the brand’s resurgence. Her signature Shaqnosis sneaker in “Sunset Coral” and the launch of the Engine A performance shoe reflect her growing influence. Reese’s partnership with Reebok, coupled with her $34 billion deal with Reese’s chocolates, mirrors O’Neal’s own business acumen, cementing her as a savvy entrepreneur.
On the court, Reese’s impact is undeniable. In her rookie WNBA season, she earned O’Neal’s praise as a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, showcasing her dominance with double-doubles and relentless energy. Her performance in the Unrivaled league, where she led Rose BC to a playoff spot with 16 points and 17 rebounds, drew accolades from O’Neal’s son Shareef, further solidifying her as a rising star.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/angel-reese-earns-high-praise-from-shaquille-oneals-son-shareef-oneal-after-her-dominant-
However, their relationship hasn’t been without controversy. O’Neal’s comments on Reese’s *Unapologetically Angel* podcast in October 2024, where he suggested she could sell more merchandise by dunking in “little shorts,” sparked backlash for being inappropriate. Reese, visibly uncomfortable, brushed it off, but the incident highlighted the complexities of their mentor-mentee dynamic. Despite this, Reese has consistently referred to O’Neal as a “father figure,” crediting him for supporting her through mental health struggles at LSU.
O’Neal’s vision for Reese extends beyond individual accolades. He sees her as a catalyst for elevating the WNBA’s profile, advocating for changes like lowering rims to increase dunking and boost fan engagement—a suggestion Reese rejected. Through her podcast, endorsements, and on-court dominance, Reese is already breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and rivaling the influence of stars like Caitlin Clark. With O’Neal’s guidance, she’s poised to redefine what it means to be a global sports icon.
