Former NBA big man Shaq draws big crowd to Woodfield Mall
The Big Aristotle. Shaq Fu. Diesel. Hobo Master. The Big Cactus. Or just plain Shaq.
Whichever of the many nicknames for basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal you prefer, one thing is clear: the big man can draw a big crowd.
More than 200 fans filled the Sears store at Woodfield Mall on Wednesday afternoon for a chance to meet, get an autograph or take a picture with the 15-time NBA all-star, television host and occasional movie actor.
After waiting in long lines, Schaumburg couple Janet and Chris Cotsiopoulos snapped a smartphone picture with O'Neal.
“He seemed very personable,” Janet Cotsiopoulos said. “He wasn't closed off.”
Nathan Cualoping brought along a May, 17, 2010, issue of Sports Illustrated for the cover star to sign.
“He's freakishly tall,” the 18-year-old from Northbrook said. “He still dominates the game.”
O'Neal was at the store promoting Monster Powercard and Monster Superstar speaker.