Shaq O’Neal says Angel Reese better than Joe Burrow

Left: Angel Reese, Right: Joe Burrow – CC

In a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, Hall of Famer and four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal named his pick for LSU Tigers’ most outstanding athlete. Surprisingly, it was not 2019 Heisman Trophy winner and Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Joe Burrow. Instead, O’Neal picked women’s basketball star Angel Reese for the title.

O’Neal, who went to LSU himself, explained that Reese deserves to be considered “the greatest athlete to ever come out of LSU” because she has achieved significant success in her sport.

“Joe Burrow got it done a couple of years ago, but she is way more athletic than he is,” the 51-year-old said.

“She’s probably the greatest athlete to ever come out of LSU sports. You heard it here first. Male and female.”

Shaquille O’Neal, four-time NBA champion

Reese completed her first season with the Tigers under the guidance of coach Kim Mulkey following her transfer to LSU from the University of Maryland.

During this season, Reese had impressive statistics, leading the team with 23.3 points and 15.6 rebounds per game and 34 double-doubles. These scores set a new single-season NCAA record.

O’Neal also emphasized that Reese played a crucial role in helping LSU secure its first-ever basketball national championship in school history.

Shaq then praised Reese for being someone who can “deliver the package,” unlike many others who may have potential but cannot quite achieve their goals.

While there are many names to consider, O’Neal insisted that Reese is likely the greatest athlete in LSU’s history, regardless of gender.

Bleacher Report

2023-04-11 21:12

Shaq with some high praise for a fellow LSU athlete 👀 (via The Big Pod) https://t.co/oR5AmC19rR

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Reese’s NIL value skyrockets

Reese’s media attention soared after LSU’s triumph over the Caitlyn Clark-led Iowa Hawkeyes in the national championship. As a result, her Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) valuation reportedly increased significantly to $1.3 million, as reported by On3 Sports.

Her valuation has now surpassed that of all other women’s college basketball players. Among all female college athletes, she currently ranks as the third highest-valued, trailing only gymnasts Olivia Dunne and Sunisa Lee.

The 20-year-old’s popularity has also landed her a high rank of 13th on On3’s NIL 100 list, surpassing LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels in value.

Following her team’s NCAA championship win, Reese spoke out about the criticisms she had faced throughout the year. She said that her championship win was not just for herself but also for all Black girls who stand up for what they believe in.

“So this is for the girls that look like me,” Reese said, per CNN. “For those that want to speak up for what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you. And that’s what I did it for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. And Twitter is going to go into a rage every time.”