| Full Name | Shaqir Rashaun O‘Neal |
| Birthday | April 19, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, CA |
| Age | 20 years old |
| Height | 6‘7" (2.01 m) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Position | Forward |
| High School | Crossroads School (Santa Monica, CA) |
| College | Texas Southern University |
| Major | Sports Management |
| @shaqironeal | |
| @shaqironeall |
As the son of NBA legend Shaquille O‘Neal, Shaqir O‘Neal was born into basketball greatness. But the 20-year-old college athlete and reality TV star is working hard to build his own legacy outside of his famous surname.
Early Life as a Celebrity Kid
Shaqir was born on April 19, 2003 in Los Angeles to Shaq and Shaunie O’Neal. His parents divorced when he was six, after which he split time between his mom’s LA home and dad’s Orlando estate.
Even as a child, Shaqir towered over his peers. By age 10 he was already 6’3”, inheriting his dad‘s massive size 17 feet.
Despite Shaq‘s high profile career with the Lakers, young Shaqir enjoyed a relatively normal suburban upbringing thanks to his mom‘s emphasis on structure and family time. Still, life as "prince of the O’Neals" came with celebrity perks like exotic vacations, celebrity connections and extravagant birthday parties.
Emerging Hoops Talent with Big Dreams
Shaqir began playing basketball as a toddler and joined AAU teams starting in elementary school. By high school, the 6’7’’ forward emerged as a top prospect at Crossroads school in Santa Monica. His senior season he averaged 17 points per game, showing himself as an accurate perimeter shooter much like his uncle Kazaam.
After fielding offers from NCAA powerhouses like UCLA and USC, Shaqir opted to blaze his own trail at Texas Southern University, a historically Black college. “I didn‘t want to just follow in my dad‘s footsteps at LSU,” he told ESPN. “I‘m thankful for the opportunity to make my own legacy here.”
As a true freshman in 2021-2022, Shaqir put up solid numbers of 9.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Highlights include a 21-point outing versus Arizona State.
“Shaqir has all the tools to reach the NBA if he continues improving,” said Texas Southern head coach Johnny Jones. “He has excellent footwork and shooting ability given his size.”
Just 19 years old, Shaqir stays hungry, often repeating his mantra: “There’s levels to this game and I’m trying to get to the highest one.”
TV Fame on the Side
In addition to his basketball pursuits, Shaqir has gained fame on reality TV. It started in 2007 with cameos on Shaq’s Big Challenge. A few years later he began starring on The O’Neals and more recently VH1’s Basketball Wives LA and WE tv’s Growing Up Hip Hop.
While some wonder if the shows might distract from his hoops career, Shaqir sees them as a fun opportunity to give fans a glimpse into his extraordinary upbringing. “I like being able to show people that I’m just a regular guy who likes hanging with friends, going to the mall, and playing 2K,” he told People.
Other Endeavors: Fashion, Cars & Business
When he’s not on the court training, Shaqir enjoys fashion, collecting luxury vehicles and dabbling in business ventures. He launched his own hat company Shaq’s Hat Co. which sells snapbacks and dad hats.
Shaqir also collaborated with friend Daniel Seay to launch an athletic wear line called Don’t Smoke Krack promoting positivity.
On his Instagram with over 600k followers, Shaqir models his hats, clothes and other products from companies he endorses. Fans can expect more entrepreneurial moves from him in the future.
Big Personality Beyond the Limelight
Despite his unusual upbringing, Shaqir remains down-to-earth and kindhearted. He inherited his dad‘s goofy charm and mom‘s compassion. Friends describe him as loyal, family-oriented and motivating.
While he enjoys nice cars and clothes, luxury never spoiled him. “My mom always taught us to be humble and help others in need,” Shaqir told the Players‘ Tribune.
In his spare time, Shaqir stays active outdoors with sports like football, wakesurfing and beach volleyball. But he‘s just as comfortable chilling at home playing video games and cracking jokes with friends.
Outlook: A Rising Star in His Own Right
As the son of an NBA legend, the expectations facing Shaqir O‘Neal are sky high. But with his 6‘7‘‘ frame, versatile skill set and relentless work ethic, Shaqir has the potential to follow in his father‘s enormous footsteps, especially if he continues developing at Texas Southern.
Even if he doesn‘t become a Hall of Famer like Shaq, Shaqir seems well on his way to success with his basketball talent, business ventures, and infectious charisma. Keep an eye out for what he achieves next!