Shaquille O'Neal Wishes Cole High School Basketball Team Good Luck in State Championship Semifinal Game

Cole High School's basketball team is ready to compete for its second UIL state title with the support of the legend who helped secure the school's first title in 1989.

Via a video message, NBA star-turned-analyst Shaquille O'Neal shared his well wishes for his alma mater's team, which is set to play its semifinal game Thursday at the Alamodome.

We appreciate the support @SHAQ!! pic.twitter.com/6z2etDM1R4

— Cougar Basketball (@CougarBasketba1) March 5, 2019

"Two more games, and you'll be champions," O'Neal said. "Go out there and continue to have fun. Do what you've been doing."

The successful season comes 30 years after Shaq led the Cougars through a 36-0 season and to a 3A state championship. The Cougars have lost in the semifinals four times since 1967, but Shaq encouraged the team to play their best and to represent Cole proudly.

30 years after @SHAQ led Cole to glory, he follows the team & says getting cut his freshman & sophomore years in Germany motivated him as did losing 1 game in HS.https://t.co/Eyp7YbPvl9@uiltexas @hoopinsider @TSRNKoos @PrepHoopsTX @DCTBasketball #UILState @Rickyprep @UIL_AD

— VYPE San Antonio (@VypeSATX) March 5, 2019

"You can do it. I know you're gonna do it, alright?" O'Neal said. "We produce champions at Cole. ... We produce Hall of Famers."

The 7-foot-1 star also had some words for team standout freshman Vince Iquchukwu, who is already 6-foot-10.

"Baby Shaq, I like your game, but I don't want you to be Shaq," O'Neal said. "I want you to be yourself. I want you to be better than Shaq."

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