Shaq Throwback: Complete Game of Shaquille O'Neal in High School!!!

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL: Class of 1989

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Written by: Prospect-Central

Have you ever wondered what 7-foot-1, three-hundred pounds looked like in high school? We've all seen what Shaquille O'Neal did in college and the NBA, but what was Shaq like before he became one of the most dominating big-men to ever play the game?

Born March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey, Shaq actually grew up on a military base in Wildflecken, West Germany, before moving back to the U.S. for his last two-years of high school.  Once back in the States, it was quite apparent Shaquille O'Neal was destined for greatness.

In his two-years at Cole High School (San Antonio, TX), Shaq led the Cougars to a 68-1 record, averaged 32 points, 22 rebounds, 8 blocks and won a state championship.  He also led the entire nation in rebounds with 791 and was the MVP of the 1989 McDonald's All-American Game.

Even though Shaquille O'Neal was clearly the most dominant player in the nation, it was actually New York City's Kenny Anderson who was the #1 player in the Class of 1989.  There were some other big-time baller's in that class as well, including Bobby Hurley, Jimmy Jackson, Alan Houston and Harold Miner, but it was Shaq who was head-and-shoulders above everyone (literally).

Before the 15 All-Star Game appearances, 4 NBA Championships, 3 Finals MVP's, 3 All-Star Game MVP's, 1 NBA MVP and earnings of almost 300 million dollars, Shaquille O'Neal was just another high school basketball player with aspirations of making the league.  With the complete game between Cole vs. Lampasas High School from San Antonio, Texas in 1989, I would like to officially welcome you to the Shaq Throwback!!!