Shaquille O'Neal Reflects on NIL Era and One-and-Done

Shaquille O'Neal reflected on the current landscape of college basketball, specifically regarding the NIL era and the one-and-done phenomenon. Speaking with Dan Patrick, O'Neal stated he would never have chosen to be one-and-done if he were playing today.

He emphasized that he would have maximized his education at LSU and taken full advantage of NIL opportunities, claiming he could earn between eight to ten million dollars a year through endorsements. O'Neal expressed that these earnings would provide financial security while allowing him to gain invaluable business acumen.

He noted that by staying in college longer, he would not only accumulate wealth but also be well-prepared for a successful NBA career. O'Neal's insights highlight how the introduction of NIL compensation could significantly alter player decisions regarding their college tenure, arguing that players making substantial NIL earnings might reconsider rushing to the NBA.