Shaquille O’Neal shares the advice he gave Angel Reese after the WNBA Draft: The LSU star was selected by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Draft on April 15

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of Angel Reese’s biggest supporters

To ensure her success in the WNBA, O’Neal shared some advice with her mentor, who he believes will benefit from his wealth of experience, PEOPLE reported.

“I’ve been described as having Angel’s understanding ear,” O’Neal said. “I know what she’s been through, I know what she’s going through, I know what’s going to happen to her and I can give her advice.”

When it came to greatness, the Hall of Famer told Reese that he had “seen it” and “heard it” and that “you can take my word for it.”

O’Neal, a graduate of LSU, also shared that he wants Reese to have a thriving career on and off the court.

“She’s the same age as my kids, so I just want the best for her,” O’Neal said. “And when you have a daughter, you know how to use that calm voice,” he added. “So after Reese was selected for the WNBA Draft, the first thing I told her was that I was proud of her.”

Angel Reese with her Baltimore coach

Over the past few years, O’Neal and Reese have developed a special relationship. During her senior day celebration in March, O’Neal along with her mother, who is also named Angel, escorted Reese to the center of LSU’s Pete Maravich Conference Center.

After the game, Reese praised Shaq for being a mentor and said it was “awesome” to have O’Neal’s support.

“He’s really smart, not just on the basketball court but in life,” Reese told ESPN.

She continued, “He has a PhD, so he’s educated, does a lot of things besides basketball. Having someone like that is a big inspiration for me. And of course, enjoying myself.” moments like this for him and the team.” The rest of my family is very happy tonight.”

At the 2024 WNBA Draft on Monday (April 15), Reese was selected in the first round with the seventh pick by the Chicago Sky.

After being selected, Reese shared his excitement about playing in the “Windy City.”

Chicago Sky Select LSU Star Angel Reese with No. 7 Pick in 2024 WNBA Draft

“Knowing the conversations is great and [Weatherspoon] is like a mother to me,” Reese said. “Being able to be a black woman and be a head coach, and everything she’s done at the NBA level, I just know everything they’re bringing to the table. Jeff [Pagliocca], the GM, also It’s been great and player development is what I’m looking for and they’re looking for me. I’m super excited about this move and I’m just looking forward to getting to Chicago.”