On April 5, 2017, Dr. Shaquille O’Neal served as the keynote speaker for the Twelfth Annual Excellence in Leadership Series at University of the Cumberlands (UC).

 

During the sold-out event, O’Neal discussed his time in the NBA, where he began his career with the Orlando Magic in 1992, and his business and professional endeavors in the time since.

 

“Aspire to be great. Aspire to be different. Never give up and follow your dreams,” O’Neal said during his speech. “Before you succeed, you must first learn to fail. Keep going.”

 

Several UC students in the audience had the opportunity to ask O’Neal questions over the course of his presentation. Questions ranged from how he adjusted to being a world-famous basketball star to why he decided to continue his education, ultimately earning his doctorate.

 

Shaquille O'Neal Speaks at Cumberlands | University of the Cumberlands

Pretty awesome!

Did anyone get to go to the event? My sister works for the Richmond Police Department and was good friends with the late Officer Ellis who was honored Wednesday night. Btw, the UC President presented Officer Ellis' four-year- old son, Luke, with a full four year scholarship to attend UC when he is ready for college. The two sons of the other slain officer were also given full tuition-paid scholarships to attend UC in the future.

Does this give the Cumberlands the advantage recruiting Shareef?

I'd love to hear an address and let the Big Aristotle drop some wisdom. What a great speaker to get.

Does this give the Cumberlands the advantage recruiting Shareef?

 

 

I doubt it. UC's President actually recruited Shaq back when he was still in high school. President Cockrum was an assistant coach under Shelby Metcalf at Texas A&M and tried his best to get Shaq to become an Aggie. He thought he had a shot but Dale Brown made just too big of an impression on the big guy and it was a done deal.

Shaq seemed to have fun cutting up with the students. One young man, who is a guard on the UC basketball team, has a rather unique hairstyle and color. The Big Aristotle took notice and asked the young man, " Hey, are you Odell Beckham? "

Shaq has a great sense of humor and I'd guess would be a blast to listen too.

No one asked Shaq Daddy this question: "The Earth- round or flat ? " That would have been fun.

No one asked Shaq Daddy this question: "The Earth- round or flat ? " That would have been fun.

 

He denied that a few days later. Not sure if you saw it.

 

There are too many bat-poo crazy NBA guys who buy into that silliness. No clue where that crazy idea comes from and why so many NBA guys are on board.

He denied that a few days later. Not sure if you saw it.

 

There are too many bat-poo crazy NBA guys who buy into that silliness. No clue where that crazy idea comes from and why so many NBA guys are on board.

 

Varnish high :lol2: