LSU Coach Who Recruited Shaq from Germany Dies at 90

Dale Brown, a former head basketball coach at Louisiana State University who played a central role in developing Shaquille O'Neal, died on Friday, October 23. He was 90 years old.

The connection between the two men began in 1984 at a U.S. military base in West Germany. Brown was conducting a basketball clinic when a 13-year-old O'Neal, who stood 6 feet, 9 inches tall, approached him for advice. Brown initially mistook the teenager for an Army soldier. After learning O'Neal's age, Brown recognized his potential and began sending him letters and exercise routines. This correspondence continued as O'Neal became a top high school prospect, eventually leading Brown to recruit him to LSU.

O'Neal played for the Tigers from 1989 to 1992. During that span, he earned two consensus All-American honors and was named SEC Player of the Year twice. He was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. O'Neal maintained a close relationship with Brown after leaving college. In a 1999 letter commemorating Brown's induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, O'Neal wrote, 'You are the only college coach I ever had, and the only one I ever wanted.'

Brown remained a part of O'Neal's professional life. He attended the Los Angeles Lakers' 2000 championship celebration. In a 2015 interview with Esquire, O'Neal described Brown as a father figure, leader, and motivator. That same year, ESPN aired a documentary titled 'Shaq & Dale.' Directed by Hannah Storm and narrated by Tim McGraw, the film traced their history from Germany to O'Neal's NBA career. LSU noted that the two men stayed in contact through letters and emails for decades.

Brown's death came shortly after a recognition of his legacy. On October 21, LSU announced that Brown had been selected as the 2027 recipient of the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award. The award ceremony is scheduled for April 2027. O'Neal recorded a video message congratulating Brown on the selection. Brown had been planning to receive the honor in person next spring.