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where did shaq grow up

Shaquille O’Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey, and spent his early childhood there before living on military bases in Germany and then settling as a teenager in San Antonio, Texas.

Quick Scoop

  • Birthplace and early years: Shaq was born and first grew up in Newark’s Central Ward in New Jersey, where he spent much of his childhood and discovered basketball as a safe outlet.
  • Military family moves: Because his stepfather was in the Army, Shaq also lived on bases in Germany, where he began to grow rapidly and started to take basketball more seriously.
  • Where he really “came up”: His most formative growing-up years on the court were in San Antonio, Texas, where he starred at Robert G. Cole High School and led the team to a dominant record and a state championship.

So when people ask “where did Shaq grow up,” the fullest answer is: Newark, New Jersey , with important childhood time in Germany , and major teenage development in San Antonio, Texas.

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