Dale Brown, who scouted teen Shaq at a German base, dies at 90

Dale Brown, the longtime Louisiana State University basketball coach, died Friday, Oct. 23, at the age of 90. His death comes two days after the university announced he would receive the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award in April 2027.

Brown first met Shaquille O'Neal in 1984 at a military base in West Germany, where Brown was running a basketball clinic. O'Neal was 13 years old and stood 6 feet, 9 inches tall. He approached Brown for advice on his game. Brown initially mistook the teenager for a soldier and asked how long he had served in the Army. Upon learning O'Neal's age, Brown identified potential in the young player.

The two maintained a long distance relationship through correspondence. Brown mailed letters and specific basketball exercises to O'Neal, who said in a 2015 Esquire interview that he lacked confidence in his abilities at the time. This mentorship continued as O'Neal grew into a top high school prospect. Brown recruited him to LSU, where O'Neal played from 1989 to 1992.

During his time in Baton Rouge, O'Neal earned two consensus All-American honors and two SEC Player of the Year awards. He was selected as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. In a 1999 letter to Brown, later published by LSU Athletics, O'Neal wrote, "You are the only college coach I ever had, and the only one I ever wanted."

Brown remained involved in O'Neal's professional life. He celebrated with O'Neal when the Los Angeles Lakers won their first NBA championship in 2000. That same year, O'Neal returned to LSU to complete his college degree, fulfilling a promise made to his family and Brown before leaving school in 1992. O'Neal described Brown as a father figure, leader, and motivator.

In 2015, ESPN released the documentary "Shaq & Dale." Directed by Hannah Storm and narrated by Tim McGraw, the film chronicled the pair's relationship from Germany through O'Neal's NBA career. LSU stated that the two stayed in regular contact via letters and emails for decades.

On Oct. 21, O'Neal recorded a video message congratulating Brown on his selection for the Wooden Award. Brown was scheduled to receive the honor in April 2027. He died on Oct. 23.