LSU Coach Who Found Shaq Dies

Dale Brown, the former Louisiana State University basketball coach who identified and recruited a 13-year-old Shaquille O'Neal, died on Friday, Oct. 23. He was 90 years old.

The two met in 1984 at a military base in West Germany. Brown was running a basketball clinic when the young O'Neal, who stood 6 feet, 9 inches at the time, approached him for advice. Brown initially mistook the teenager for a soldier. After learning O'Neal's age, Brown began mailing him letters and training exercises.

O'Neal described Brown as a father figure, leader, and motivator in a 2015 Esquire interview. He said Brown helped build his confidence during his high school years. Brown eventually recruited O'Neal to LSU, where the future NBA star played from 1989 to 1992.

At LSU, O'Neal earned two consensus All-American honors and two SEC Player of the Year awards. He was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. In a 1999 letter released by LSU Athletics, O'Neal wrote that Brown was the only college coach he ever had and the only one he ever wanted.

Brown remained part of O'Neal's life during his professional career. He was present when O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000. O'Neal also returned to LSU that year to complete his degree, fulfilling a promise made to his family and Brown.

LSU announced on Oct. 21 that Brown would receive the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award in April 2027. O'Neal recorded a video message to congratulate his former coach on the selection. The two had maintained regular contact through letters and emails for decades.

ESPN released a documentary titled Shaq & Dale in 2015. Directed by Hannah Storm and narrated by Tim McGraw, the film chronicled the relationship from their meeting in Germany through O'Neal's basketball career.