Shaquille O’Neal knows firsthand that basketball isn’t always a slam dunk.
And it’s especially true when just starting out in the professional leagues. It’s why he’s encouraging breakout star Caitlin Clark to power through some of the adversity being shown her way during her first WNBA season.
“I think they described it as ‘rites of passage’,” the former NBA player told E! News in an exclusive interview, alongside his new Lucky 13 gameshow co-host Gina Rodriguez. “When you’re a great college player and come to the professional level, you have to prove yourself.”
“A lot of people think it’s fair, unfair—it’s the nature of our business,” Shaq further explained. “I had to go through it. Once you pass the rites of passage, everything will be fine.”
And Shaq isn’t the only one encouraging Caitlin to keep her head up and in the game. Earlier this year Brittany Mahomes—a former collegiate and professional soccer player—shared a motivational message with the 22-year-old after a challenging game.
“@caitlinclark22 keep doing your thing!!” Brittany wrote on her Instagram Story June 2. “You’re a baller and it’s incredible to see what you’re doing for the game and women’s sports!!”
