Overview
Shaquille O'Neal is the giant, slam-dunking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. At seven foot one, the man known as Shaq is perhaps the most recognized athlete in the world, as well as one of the most beloved. After being one of the most highly-touted players to ever come out of college, Shaq faced a great deal of pressure when the Orlando Magic made him the first overall pick of the 1992 NBA Draft. Despite this pressure, Shaq excelled and earned Rookie of the Year honors. After improving his game year by year, he signed with the Lakers in 1996. Within a few seasons, he helped propel L.A. on a run of three straight championships between 2000 and 2002. As long as Shaq is in the lineup, Laker fans know that their team will continue to be a favorite to win it all for many seasons to come.Discusses the personal life and basketball career of the star center for the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal.
Synopsis
Shaquille O'Neal is the giant, slam-dunking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. At seven foot one, the man known as Shaq is perhaps the most recognized athlete in the world, as well as one of the most beloved. After being one of the most highly-touted players to ever come out of college, Shaq faced a great deal of pressure when the Orlando Magic made him the first overall pick of the 1992 NBA Draft. Despite this pressure, Shaq excelled and earned Rookie of the Year honors. After improving his game year by year, he signed with the Lakers in 1996. Within a few seasons, he helped propel L.A. on a run of three straight championships between 2000 and 2002. As long as Shaq is in the lineup, Laker fans know that their team will continue to be a favorite to win it all for many seasons to come.
Francine Thomas - Children's Literature
In the summer of 1992 a twenty-year-old rookie takes the court for the first time before a crowd of expectant National Basketball Association (NBA) fans. Everyone is expecting great things from this wide-eyed giant from Louisiana State University. In fact, eleven lottery teams in the NBA draft had hoped to pick him up and even had special jerseys made with O'Neal written across the back just in case. But Florida's Orlando Magic franchise won the lottery and now it is show time. Can this powerhouse deliver everything promised by all the hype and publicity? "I know there are a lot of expectations for me to become great." But the pressure doesn't worry Shaq. If he fails to measure up, he will still live "a happy life and keep on smiling." As sports history records, O'Neal does rocket to stardom. He fulfills the dreams of the Magic and the NBA and later takes his new team, the Lakers, to the NBA championship. His proud grandfather says of Shaq's contributions, "He is good for the game, he is good for the sport, and he is good for all the young people." This addition to the Sports Leaders series offers a concise, well-written profile of Shaquille O'Neal's life and career in the pros. Black and white photographs add action and involvement. The book concludes with up-to-date career statistics and Shaq's address and official team Web sites. It is appropriate for students writing reports and enjoyable for even the casual reader. 2004, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.
Editorials
Children's Literature
In the summer of 1992 a twenty-year-old rookie takes the court for the first time before a crowd of expectant National Basketball Association (NBA) fans. Everyone is expecting great things from this wide-eyed giant from Louisiana State University. In fact, eleven lottery teams in the NBA draft had hoped to pick him up and even had special jerseys made with O'Neal written across the back just in case. But Florida's Orlando Magic franchise won the lottery and now it is show time. Can this powerhouse deliver everything promised by all the hype and publicity? "I know there are a lot of expectations for me to become great." But the pressure doesn't worry Shaq. If he fails to measure up, he will still live "a happy life and keep on smiling." As sports history records, O'Neal does rocket to stardom. He fulfills the dreams of the Magic and the NBA and later takes his new team, the Lakers, to the NBA championship. His proud grandfather says of Shaq's contributions, "He is good for the game, he is good for the sport, and he is good for all the young people." This addition to the Sports Leaders series offers a concise, well-written profile of Shaquille O'Neal's life and career in the pros. Black and white photographs add action and involvement. The book concludes with up-to-date career statistics and Shaq's address and official team Web sites. It is appropriate for students writing reports and enjoyable for even the casual reader. 2004, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.—Francine Thomas