Three years before he was the consensus top pick in the 1992 NBA draft, was one of the most sought-after high school basketball players in the country. The center could choose where he wanted to commit to playing in college. Before committing to Louisiana State University, he visited the University of North Carolina, ‘s alma mater. However, head coach ‘s off-putting behavior prompted him to take UNC off his list.
In his biography, ‘,’ the future Hall of Famer revealed:
O’Neal claimed he wasn’t Smith’s first choice to join the Tar Heels. The head coach had landed center Matt Wenstrom from Mayde Creek High School in Harris County, Texas.
O’Neal felt Smith lacked enthusiasm during their meeting because Wenstrom had already committed to playing for UNC. The head coach’s parting message to the future three-time Finals MVP ended the Tar Heels’ chances of landing him. O’Neal revealed:
UNC’s loss was LSU’s gain. O’Neal spent three years with the team and established himself as one of the greatest college basketball players. After a decent freshman season, he blossomed into a dominant force in his sophomore year. He averaged 27.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, five blocks, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals. In his junior year, he averaged 24.1 points, 14 rebounds, 5.
2 blocks, 1.5 assists, and one block.
O’Neal won the SEC Player of the Year award twice. He was Sports Illustrated’s, Associated Press, and United Press International’s College Basketball Player of the Year in 1991. He declared for the NBA Draft in 1992 and was picked first overall by the Orlando Magic.
Smith’s approach might have cost him one of the most dominant athletes in the sport’s history.
Dean Smith’s approach wasn’t the only reason Shaquille O’Neal turned down UNC. During an appearance on , the center revealed another reason why he was put off by the Tar Heels.
He explained:
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O’Neal also did not like the UNC’s vibe. He gave a hilarious explanation of what the university lacked. He said:
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Another reason O’Neal turned down UNC was their former star, Charles Shackleford. The center spent three years with the Tar Heels between 1985 and 1988 before declaring for the NBA draft. The picked him in the second round. O’Neal didn’t want to be dubbed Shackleford’s successor and wanted to adopt his ‘Shaq’ persona. He explained:
Nothing about UNC worked for O’Neal. So he took his talents to LSU. It worked out well for the superstar center, but he would likely have dominated in the same fashion with the Tar Heels.
