When Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officials announced on Feb. 12 that Shaquille O'Neal was a finalist for its Class of 2016, the larger-than-life former superstar responded with gratitude and rare modesty. He said he "hopefully" would be voted in.
O'Neal didn't have to worry.
Hall officials announced today that O'Neal has been elected.
Today, Hall officials announced nine additional inductees, including former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson, former Houston Rockets standout Yao Ming, three-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes and Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.
The Orlando Magic used the top pick in the 1992 NBA Draft to select O'Neal out of LSU, and O'Neal immediately made the franchise relevant.