Shaquille O’Neal Sees Himself in Angel Reese — But as His 10-Year-Old Self
When Shaquille O’Neal speaks, the basketball world listens. The Hall of Famer and cultural icon is rarely short on bold takes, but his latest revelation has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations across both the NBA and WNBA. During a recent sports talk segment, O’Neal admitted that when he watches Angel Reese, the rising WNBA star, he doesn’t just see talent—he sees himself. Not the dominant All-Star who won championships and terrorized opponents in the paint, but the 10-year-old version of himself who was hungry, unpolished, and burning with ambition.
The comment, delivered in classic Shaq fashion, was both surprising and deeply revealing. “When I look at her, I see me,” O’Neal said. “Not the me that everyone remembers from the Lakers or the Heat, but the kid who just wanted to prove something to the world. She’s hungry, she’s fearless, and she’s ready to make her mark.”
For Reese, who has quickly become one of the most polarizing and talked-about figures in women’s basketball, the comparison is more than flattering—it is historic. To be placed in the same conversation as Shaquille O’Neal, even if framed through the lens of his younger self, underlines the magnitude of her impact. At just 22 years old, Reese has already carved out a reputation for her grit, competitive fire, and unapologetic confidence.
O’Neal’s words arrive at a pivotal moment in Reese’s career. Fresh off her transition to the WNBA, she has faced intense scrutiny, balancing expectations of stardom with the realities of professional competition. Supporters laud her charisma and ability to energize both teammates and fans, while critics point to her brashness as polarizing. Yet Shaq’s perspective reframes the narrative: the qualities some interpret as arrogance may in fact be the very fuel that once propelled a young O’Neal toward superstardom.
The connection between the two athletes runs deeper than surface comparisons. Both Reese and O’Neal hail from backgrounds where doubt and external pressure were constants. Both entered their respective stages with questions hanging over them—could they dominate, could they handle the spotlight, could they live up to the hype? And both answered with performances that demanded attention. Shaq grew into one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history, while Reese, still at the start of her journey, has already cemented herself as a cultural figure beyond basketball, blending athletic excellence with social influence.
For fans, O’Neal’s endorsement signals validation. Reese has been celebrated by younger audiences, particularly on social media, but also dissected by traditional media voices. To have a four-time NBA champion not only defend her but align her trajectory with his own youthful hunger gives weight to the idea that she is on the cusp of something greater than her current numbers suggest.
The remark also illustrates the growing bridge between men’s and women’s basketball. Legends like O’Neal using their platforms to elevate WNBA talent not only shine a spotlight on players like Reese but also normalize cross-league comparisons that validate women’s impact on the sport. For young fans watching, the message is clear: Angel Reese is not just a rising star; she belongs in the conversation with icons.
Still, the intrigue remains in Shaq’s choice of words—his 10-year-old self. Why emphasize youth, rawness, and incompleteness? Perhaps it reflects O’Neal’s recognition that Reese’s journey is just beginning. At 10, he was still a dreamer, far from the polished superstar he would become. By linking Reese to that stage of his life, he acknowledges her potential while underscoring the work ahead. Greatness is not yet achieved, but the hunger that drives it is already burning.
As Reese continues her rookie season and battles through the challenges of professional basketball, Shaq’s comments will linger in the background. They frame her story not as one of instant success but as the opening chapter in a long arc of growth, resilience, and transformation. For a player determined to prove herself, that kind of recognition could serve as both validation and motivation.
And for the rest of us? It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful comparisons don’t place athletes in their final form, but in the raw, formative stages when ambition outweighs experience. For Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese embodies that same fire. The only question now is how far it will take her.
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