by Eric Latzer
January 29, 2002
Though still just 23 years old, Jermaine O'Neal has established himself as one of the best big men not only in the Eastern Conference, but in the league -- a status that was certified on Tuesday, Jan. 29, with his selection to the All-Star team.
The 6-11, 242-pound forward-center from Columbia, S.C., was drafted out of high school No. 17 overall by Portland in 1996, but didn't begin to blossom until the Pacers acquired him in a blockbuster trade for All-Star power forward Dale Davis prior to the 2000-01 season. O'Neal averaged 12.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and tied for the league lead with 228 blocked shots in his first season in Indiana and has continued his emergence this year with averages of 18.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.38 blocked shots (through Jan. 23).
O'Neal credits the experience of leading Team USA to a gold medal in the 2001 Goodwill Games with spurring his development, and he will continue to represent the country in international competition in the World Basketball Championship in Indianapolis this summer.
O'Neal chatted live on NBA.com and pacers.com on Tuesday, Jan. 29. See what he had to say!
