Royce O’Neale and Shaquille O’Neal aren’t related, but they have shaped their identities as American professional NBA basketball players.
Royce plays small forward for the Phoenix Suns, whereas Shaquille played center for the Boston Celtics before retirement. They have an age gap of 21 years.
Highlights
- Royce O’Neale and Shaquille O’Neal aren’t blood-related but share their passion for the NBA.
- Royce is the son of Roy O’Neale and Deborah Kingwood, whereas Shaquille is the son of Lucille O’Neal and Joe Toney.
- Shaq’s father was an All-State guard high school basketball player but struggled with drug addiction.
Royce Khalil O’Neale began playing basketball at Harker Heights High School and was recruited to the University of Denver. In 2013, he transferred to Baylor University to be closer to his family.
He wasn’t selected in the 2015 NBA draft and played his first professional season in Germany for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. Later, he signed with Spanish club Herbalife Gran Canaria for the 2016–17 season.
Royce never played with the Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas and signed with the Utah Jazz for the 2017–18 season.
Moreover, he played for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022 to 2024 season and was traded to the Phoenix Suns on February 8, 2024.
On the other hand, Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal began playing basketball at 16 in Robert G. Cole High School and continued playing for Louisiana State University (LSU).
The Orlando Magic drafted him in the 1992 NBA draft, and he became one of the best centers in the league, leading his team to the 1995 NBA Finals.
He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent and won three consecutive NBA Championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Later, he was traded to the Miami Heat and won his fourth championship in 2006.
Before retiring, Shaquille played for the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. On July 14, 2011, he joined Turner Network Television (TNT) as an analyst for its NBA basketball games.
He signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to host Inside the NBA in October 2022 and announced to co-host ABC game show Lucky 13 in May 2024.
Royce O’Neale Parents Encouraged His Athletic Career
Royce O’Neale, the son of Roy O’Neale and Deborah Kingwood, was born in Killeen, Texas, on June 5, 1993.
His parents are of African-American descent, and he grew up with his elder sister, Dana Trenee. Dana has a 23-year-old daughter, Ciani.
Although Royce’s parents preferred to live far from the spotlight, they have always supported his career.
He shares a close bond with his mother, which is easily seen on social media. Deborah is also active on Instagram and often shares her son’s basketball journey.
Royce appreciates everything his mother has done for him and prays for her to receive all the blessings, love, and abundance she deserves. They even practice basketball together at the camp.
Moreover, the Phoenix Suns member shares a close bond with his family members and never forgets to wish them on their happy days.
His grandfather, Willie, was his father figure and biggest fan. He was the family’s rock but left everything behind in the athlete’s hand.
Furthermore, Royce O’Neale is possibly single and focused on his athletic career.
Shaquille O’Neal Parents Were Over 6 Feet Tall
Shaquille O’Neal, the son of Lucille O’Neal and Joe Toney, was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey.
His father was an All-State guard high school basketball player who was offered a basketball scholarship to play at Seton Hall.
However, Joe struggled with drug addiction and was arrested for drug possession when Shaq was only an infant. Later, her mother married Phillip Arthur Harrison, a career Army sergeant.
His mother was Christian, and his stepfather was Muslim. He learned both religions while growing up. He is a people person and follows every religion.
Because of his stepfather’s profession, Shaq moved to military bases in Germany, and after returning, they settled in San Antonio, Texas.
Joe didn’t take part in Shaq’s life but agreed to relinquish his parental rights to his stepfather and remained estranged for decades.
Later, in 1994, Shaq released an album, Shaq Fu: The Return, and his song “Biological Didn’t Bother” dismissed Joe with the line “Phil is my father.”
However, his feelings for his biological father mellowed in the years after the tragic demise of his stepfather in 2013. He met him for the first time in 2016.
I don’t hate you. I had a good life. I had Phil.
Shaquille O’Neal expressed to Joe.
Shaq inherited his parents’ heredity, and he was already 1.98 m tall at 13. His father was 1.88 m tall, and his mother was 1.85 m tall. Later, his height reached 2.08 m at 16.
Furthermore, he married Shaunie Nelson on December 26, 2002, and they have four children. Sadly, they divorced in 2011, citing irreconcilable differences.
Moreover, Shaq dated Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander in 2010 and Laticia Rolle in 2014. He also has a son and daughter from his previous relationship.
Additional Information
- As of 2024, Shaquille O’Neal’s net worth is estimated at $500 million, and Royce O’Neale’s at $2 million.
- Royce became a professional basketball player in 2015, whereas Shaquille began in 1992 and retired in 2011.
- Shaq refused to participate in the 2000 Olympics, explaining that two gold medals were enough.
- The retired player is the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the NBA 2K League.
