His image is bigger than life, and maybe even bigger in China. New Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal thrilled Chinese fans over the past weekend as he paid a visit to Beijing. We take a closer look at the time the NBA big man spent in the capital.
![NBA Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O´Neal (L) presents a basketball shoe with his signature to Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, during his promotional tour in Shaolin Temple, central China´s Henan province, July 13, 2009.[Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20090715/001ec94a1ee40bc792d029.jpg "NBA Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O´Neal (L) presents a basketball shoe with his signature to Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, during his promotional tour in Shaolin Temple, central China´s Henan province, July 13, 2009.[Xinhua]") |
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NBA Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O′Neal (L) presents a basketball shoe with his signature to Shi Yongxin, abbot of Shaolin Temple, during his promotional tour in Shaolin Temple, central China′s Henan province, July 13, 2009.[Xinhua]
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He is one of the most successful NBA players, and is one of the most popular personalities in the basketbal world. New Cleveland Cavaliers Center Shaquille O'Neal thrilled Chinese fans over the past weekend. It was Shaq's show time. O'Neal said:"if you want to become a great athlete, you must have rythem."
Fans duplicated Shaq's famous dance with the Jabbawockeez at the 2009 NBA All-Star game.
"I just like to have rythem"
Shaq staged his dance again here in Beijing, thrilling Chinese fans.
"We have to entertain people with our dominant play. You know, we interact with people. It's pretty fun."
An O'Neal's fan said:"My first basketball shoes were O'Neal's. I like his open-minded personality. He's always on show time."
La Clippers Braon Davis said:"Shaq is one of the most dominant centers. Not only that, but he's been a great entertainer for the league.'
He is not only a great player, but Shaq's outgoing ways have earned him a special place in his fans heart. With four championship rings under his belt, O'Neal is considered one of the most successful NBA players.
He even was treated to a special twist on Chinese culture when he visited a Peking opera theatre, where hoop fans combined basketball skills with traditional Peking Opera Masks. Shaq, of course, winning big
applause. O'Neal said:"Chinese people love me, I love China. The fans here
were unbelievable." The 37-year-old is striving to produce more moments for
his fans. He has joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is looking to team up with LeBron James for his 5th NBA championship title.
O'Neal said:"The rings are valuable to me. I think if I win next season, it'll be more valuable. "
"It's enjoyment and competition, competition is to win many championships, enjoyment is to have fun during the competition."
O'Neal's show time will continue throughout this week.
And Shaq said hello to more fans across the county.
(CCTV July 15, 2009)
