Shaquille O'Neal may have initially tried to resist Caitlin Clark's charm, but the rookie phenom proved too magnetic for even the Diesel to ignore. The Basketball Hall of Famer recently opened up about his journey from reluctant observer to full-blown admirer of the Iowa standout. 

In a revealing interview with Sports Illustrated, Shaq revealed that he felt torn between supporting his fellow LSU alum Angel Reese and objectively recognizing Clark's immense talent. 'I never spoke about her (before) because Angel is my girl,' Shaq confessed, 'but I can truthfully say - Caitlin Clark is for real.' 

The former NBA legend admitted to trying to stay loyal to Reese while watching Clark dominate on the court, but found himself increasingly impressed by her poise and skill. 'I'm watching her play and I'm trying to be upset,' Shaq mused, 'but she makes the right pass, makes the right play. Girls try to beat her up and she doesn't really complain. She's a great one, even early on (in her career).' 

The turning point came during a recent Fever-Sky matchup in Chicago, where Clark lit up the scoreboard with a career-high 31 points against Reese's Sky squad. Shaq, sitting courtside, could no longer deny what he was witnessing. 'She's the real deal,' he declared. 'Much respect to her and her family and the way she grew up and the way she plays.' 

With both Clark and Reese shattering rookie records this season - Reese setting a new mark for rebounds while Clark is on pace to break the single-season assists record - it seems Shaq's allegiance may soon be divided between two of the most exciting young stars in the league. One thing is certain: Caitlin Clark has earned herself one of the sport's most famous fans.

Caitlin Clark Converts Even Shaq with Her Skills

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