Shaquille O’Neal is aware of firsthand that basketball isn’t all the time a slam dunk.
And it’s very true when simply beginning out within the skilled leagues. It’s why he’s encouraging breakout star Caitlin Clark to energy by way of among the adversity being proven her approach throughout her first WNBA season.
“I believe they described it as ‘rites of passage’,” the previous NBA participant informed E! Information in an unique interview, alongside his new Fortunate 13 gameshow co-host Gina Rodriguez. “Whenever you’re an excellent faculty participant and are available to the skilled stage, you need to show your self.”
“Lots of people suppose it’s truthful, unfair—it’s the character of our enterprise,” Shaq additional defined. “I needed to undergo it. When you cross the rites of passage, the whole lot might be wonderful.”
And Shaq isn’t the one one encouraging Caitlin to maintain her head up and within the recreation. Earlier this yr Brittany Mahomes—a former collegiate {and professional} soccer participant—shared a motivational message with the 22-year-old after a difficult recreation.
“@caitlinclark22 maintain doing all of your factor!!” Brittany wrote on her Instagram Story June 2. “You are a baller and it is unbelievable to see what you are doing for the sport and ladies’s sports activities!!”