Since leaving LSU early for the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal has returned several times for his annual golf tournament, talks with student athletes and even to graduate with a degree in business.
But in October, O’Neal will return in rare form, not seen since the end of the ’91-’92 season – as a basketball player on the Pete Maravich Assembly Center floor.
The New Orleans Hornets have relocated to Oklahoma City for the upcoming season but decided to play one exhibition game at LSU along with their six regular season games. The exhibition game has been scheduled for Oct. 25 against the Miami Heat.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the LSU campus for our preseason game,” O’Neal said. “LSU and Baton Rouge hold a special place in my heart.”
Since relocating the game to Baton Rouge, both teams have agreed to give all proceeds from the game to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
“I’m happy that not only will I get to play a game in a city I love, but that the profits of the game will go toward the rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina,” O’Neal said.
The Hornets originally scheduled the preseason game in Bossier City at the CenturyTel Center.
The Hornets will still play in the CenturyTel Center against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. The tickets purchased for the assumed game against the Heat in Bossier City will be honored at the Spurs game Oct. 20. Ticket information has not been decided for fans desiring to attend the game in the PMAC.
“We only know the date as of right now,” said Associate Athletics Director Herb Vincent. “We are relying on the Hornets to give out ticket and additional information.”
Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Contact Tabby Soignier at [email protected]