Richard Jefferson and Shaquille O'Neal Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Shaquille O'Neal sees huge opportunity behind NIL deals

By Anthony Farris | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Shaquille O’Neal dunked all over the prospect of highly-touted hoopers foregoing college eligibility (and lots and lots of money) for the NBA.

During a Friday appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Shaq told Patrick why he wouldn’t be a one-and-done in today’s lucrative NIL era of college athletics.

And, unlike most of the free throws he attempted, the Big Fella didn’t miss.

“With this NIL stuff I would definitely be at the top of (highest paid) list, right? And I would milk that,” Shaq said. “If you’re a top NIL guy I think you could make more than what these (current) rookies are making.”

"I would never be a one-and-done. I would actually take advantage of the educational system. Everybody always talks about money but if you're getting NIL money, why go to the NBA?"

– @SHAQ on why he wouldn't have been a one-and-done with today's NIL. pic.twitter.com/W0DutDpnpJ
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) December 12, 2025

Shaq’s partially correct. Last summer’s top NBA pick, Cooper Flagg, is making nearly $14 million this season. By comparison, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, reportedly the top-paid player in men’s college basketball this season, is making just over four million in Provo, per Fox Sports. Rookies selected outside of the NBA Draft lottery make less than Dybantsa.

There’s also that whole knowledge thing you’re not necessarily getting off the court as an NBA player.

“College is all about education. So I would try and get as much education when it comes to business as I can. So, let’s just say I’m making eight, nine, ten million dollars a year from NIL deals, I’m gonna stay. That’s $30 million right there. I’m gonna have $30 million in the bank and I’m gonna have the knowledge of what to do with this $30 million.

“I would never be one-and-done. I would actually take advantage of the educational system.”

He’s not lying. Shaq has multiple degrees, including a doctoral degree in education from Barry University.

Even in retirement, the Big Aristotle can’t stop passing out wisdom.

Anthony Farris

Anthony is an Ohio-based writer with more than a decade of writing experience, including stops at FanSided, OutKick, and others. He's a fan of all Cleveland sports, which has, in turn, resulted in high blood pressure and what some might consider a drinking problem. Again, blame Cleveland

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