Shaq Uncut: My Story - Tapa dura

Shaq was more confident in his skin than anyone else of his stature. There's a warmth to him that is unmistakable. At the same time, he was the scariest player I've ever seen. He was that dominant. I've had a number of great relationships with great players, but he's the one who will always stand out in my mind.
--Hall of Famer Jerry West


He's the most dominant player I've ever seen. His presence, his physicality, his size and his speed made him an athletic phenomenon. He could run, he could move, he had unbelievable hands and he never got enough credit for being a great passer. He was one of a kind.--Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers

What a career for Shaq Diesel!! The most dominating force to ever play the game. Great person to be around as well. Comedy all the time!!--LeBron James, via Twitter

Shaq was the most unique player in the history of the NBA. He was bigger than life in every way. The dominant game, the dominant personality, his work behind the scenes for charity...nobody has done more for our game than Shaq.

--Hall of Famer Larry Bird

Shaq's a wonderful person and he's been one of the greatest players ever. He understood the game; dealing with the fans, dealing with the press. .. Great, great player, a great, great personality.

--Hall of Famer Charles Barkley

He's a giant. He's physically imposing; he has an imposing smile. In the game, he imposed his will, and he has done it for quite a long time. It's been a great run here, and we're going to miss him greatly. We hope we can find ways to keep him involved in the game.

--NBA Commissioner David Stern

Superman. Diesel. The Big Aristotle. Shaq Fu. The Big Daddy. The Big Shaqtus. Wilt Chamberneezy. The Real Deal. The Big Shamrock. Shaq.

You know him by any number of names, and chances are you know all about his legendary basketball career: Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA Finals MVP. After being an All-American at Louisiana State University, he was the overall number one draft pick in the NBA in 1992. In his 19-year career, Shaq racked up 28,596 career points (including 5,935 free throws!), 13,099 rebounds, 3,026 assists, 2,732 blocks, and 15 All-Star appearances.

These are statistics that are almost as massive as the man himself. His presence-both physically and psychologically-made him a dominant force in the game for two decades.

But if you follow the game, you also know that there's a lot more to Shaquille O'Neal than just basketball.

Shaq is famous for his playful, and at times, provocative personality. He is, literally, outsize in both scale and persona. Whether rapping on any of his five albums, challenging celebrities on his hit television show "Shaq Vs.," studying for his PhD or serving as a reserve police officer, there's no question that Shaq has led a unique and multi-dimensional life. And in this rollicking new autobiography, Shaq discusses his remarkable journey, including his candid thoughts on teammates and coaches like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Phil Jackson, and Pat Riley.

From growing up in difficult circumstances and getting cut from his high school basketball team to his larger-than-life basketball career, Shaq lays it all out in SHAQ UNCUT: MY STORY.