Jermaine O'Neal
Jermaine O'Neal
Jermaine Lee O'Nealis an American former professional basketball player. The 6 ft 11 in, 255 lbforward-center had a successful high school career and declared his eligibility for the 1996 NBA draft straight out of high school. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 17th overall pick, but O'Neal was unable to break into the first team in Portland and was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2000. In his eight seasons with the club, he was voted an NBA...
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth13 October 1978
CityColumbia, SC
I'm a very emotional player. I use emotion because my team feeds off it.
I want to be in the best winning situation. I don't want to be around anybody who's just interested in playing out the season and then going home for the summer.
If my team isn't motivated, it's my fault. I can't consider myself the best of the best until my team is able to get out of the first round.
I wanted to prove people wrong who didn't think I could play at this level. I also wanted to take care of my family. It was a chance to play against the best players in the world. Mentally and physically I don't think I was ready, but I was ready to take on the challenge.
I've taken my bumps and bruises, but you've got to be willing to get knocked down and pick yourself up. You can't get discouraged. You can't lose sight of what your goals are.
I know I'm a good person. I know I can play basketball.
I think blocking a shot at a crucial point of the game is the most incredible feeling.
He's more at peace. He's a really happy guy right now. He really likes to be around the locker room and the guys now.
I'm looking forward to playing against those guys. To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to playing against anybody. I've been out so long.
I always find a couple of hecklers... I'll kinda look at them, stare at 'em, and let them know I can't be stopped.