Shaquille O’Neal really loves Canada.
I mean, like, a lot.
Write it down, take a picture. Send it to whoever you want.
The charismatic 7-foot, larger-than-life personality said as much while in Vancouver this week as the keynote speaker at the 25th annual JCC Sports Dinner.
Shaq: “once you go Shaq, you never go back.”
— JCC Sports Dinner (@JCCSportsDinner) March 1, 2018
You knew ‘The Big Aristotle,’ wouldn’t disappoint, particularly in a city and country that he holds near and dear to his heart.
“I’ve been to the Swedish Touch so much they kicked me out. Not that I’ve ever been there.” pic.twitter.com/gL2R9naZnK
— JCC Sports Dinner (@JCCSportsDinner) March 1, 2018
O’Neal spoke about a wide variety of topics, including his thoughts on Shazam (he said it was the worst movie ever) and Charles Barkley, who he says doesn’t wear underwear.
In speaking with TSN 1040’s Matt Sekeres on Wednesday, Shaq couldn’t contain his excitement when talking about the Great White North.
“Love the people. Love your national anthem,” said the NBA Hall of Famer. “People here have always been very hospitable and nice. We can learn a lot from the Canadian culture.”
Go on…
“You guys are just polite. I don’t see guys having the same problems we have down there. You guys got free health care.”
Part of the reason why Shaq loves Canada, and Vancouver in particular, is because of Dr. Alex McKechnie. O’Neal credits the Vancouver-based physiotherapist for saving his career.
Shaq was in need of medical expertise in 1999, when he was sidelined with torn “stomach muscles.”
Two doctors in the United States told him he needed surgery, which would keep him out nine months in a contract year. McKechnie was the only one who said he could rehabilitate ‘the Diesel’ without going under the knife.
McKechnie was unable to meet O’Neal in Los Angeles, where Shaq was starring with the Lakers, so he suggested meeting him in Vancouver.
Shaq rented “an awesome house” near Marine Drive and 21st St in West Vancouver for the summer, meeting McKechnie from 10 am to 3 pm every day at 8-Rinks in Burnaby.
“Came down to Vancouver, it was a lovely town. The nightlife was great. It was one of the best summers I had.”
Instead of surgery, McKechnie got O’Neal to strengthen his core muscles to stabilize his massive frame.
The following season, O’Neal scored 29.7 points per game, the highest-scoring year of his career. He also appeared in 79 games, the third-highest total he ever achieved.
He capped off the season by winning his first-ever NBA championship.
Shaq said he was able to get the contract he wanted, and more.
“That was all because of ‘Mr. O Caaanadaaaaa’ he stands on guard for theeee,” Shaq said, singing in the radio interview.
‘Mr. O Canada’ will be inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame this year.
“Couldn’t do it without the Canadians. I just love Canadian people. I love coming up here. Vancouver, Toronto. I still got to get to the other parts of Canada.”
You gotta love Shaq.
“I’ve been up here 50 times and met extraordinary people, have never had a problem. Never met anyone having a bad day. Never met anyone mean. Never met anyone complaining. I just love Canada.”