Big Graduate: Shaq gets MBA

O’Neal was one of the 2,200 University of Phoenix graduates honored at the Forum in Los Angeles.

"It’s just something to have on my resume when I go back into reality," O’Neal said. "Someday I might have to put down a basketball and have a regular 9-to-5 like everybody else."

O’Neal, who was in his first season with the Heat, returned to the city where he spent eight years and won three NBA titles. O’Neal played with the Lakers from 1996-2004 before his blockbuster trade to Miami this past offseason.

The 7-1 center went to LSU, but left school early to pursue an NBA career. However, O’Neal promised his family that he would graduate, which he did in 2000, and also said he would eventually receive an MBA.

O’Neal took a majority of his classes online and also attended many sessions several days a week at a West Los Angeles campus before he was traded to South Florida.

"The degree solidifies that I’m a businessman," said O’Neal.

This past season, O’Neal averaged 22.9 points and 10.4 rebounds while leading the Heat to the top record in the Eastern Conference. Miami eventually lost in the conference finals to the Detroit Pistons.

O’Neal, a three-time Finals MVP and the 1999-2000 regular-season Most Valuable Player, has posted averages of 26.7 points, 12 boards and 2.8 assists in his Hall-of-Fame career.