Former basketball star Shaquille O'Neal announced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that he is finalizing plans to join the Louisiana State University faculty as a professor in Baton Rouge.
The announcement on the Inside the NBA program followed his graduation on Saturday morning at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where he earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree from the LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
>>> Tekashi 6ix9ine Claims Drake and Lil Durk Face Divine Punishment for Dissing Him
Teaching Focus on Mentorship
During the television broadcast, the four-time NBA champion shared details about his upcoming academic role and specific teaching focus.
"A class on mentorship," said O'Neal, explaining his chosen scholarly area.
The media personality further discussed his educational background, which spans multiple degrees alongside his extensive career in entertainment, business, and public service.
"Bachelor's, two master's, a doctorate, and a street degree," said Shaq.
His colleagues on the sports program reacted immediately to the career update, prompting further discussion about the nature of the course.
"Oh, that's, I know you're big into that," said Ernie Johnson.
The former athlete has previously engaged in educational initiatives, including the Shaq Scholars Program with Campus to provide laptops and tuition coverage, and serving as a judge on the online business pitch competition, The Grind.
O'Neal previously detailed his personal motivation for supporting youth development during a December 2024 episode of the business competition.
"I wish I had a professor like this to teach me this stuff.
Cuz again I know some of you may look up to me but I'm lucky, I'm one of the luckiest guys in the world," said O'Neal.
>>> Mel Gibson Replaces Entire Cast, Delays Passion of the Christ Sequel to 2027
The Hall of Famer recounted his own academic struggles in college before finding business guidance from older sports legends.
"I always tell a story how I fail my marketing class similar to this and I came in with Shaq shoes, Shaq shirts, and the guy gave me an F.
He said, 'You didn't put any thought into it. Big guys never sale' and I was kind of discouraged," said O'Neal.
During his recent commencement ceremony, a viral video showed a faculty member reading a joke nickname for the basketball star, which O'Neal later addressed on air.
"Virtual World America. Whoever put that video together did a great AI job.
I would never do Charles Barkley like that. That was AI," said O'Neal.
His co-host Charles Barkley congratulated O'Neal on the new degree despite the stadium prank.
"Hey, listen, man. I'm so proud you got your GED.
You make your family proud. That's a great accomplishment.
I'm proud of you," said Barkley.
>>> Small Plane Crash at Jaffrey Airport Injures Two People
According to school records reported by WWL-TV, O'Neal played for the LSU Tigers from 1989 to 1992, ranking fifth all-time in scoring with 1,941 points and second in rebounds with 1,217 before becoming the top pick in the 1992 NBA Draft.
