LSU coach Dale Brown dies two days after Wooden Award announcement

Dale Brown, a veteran LSU basketball coach, died Friday, Oct. 23, at the age of 90. His death comes just two days after a major honor for his coaching career.

LSU announced on Oct. 21 that Brown will receive the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award in April 2027. He was 90 years old at the time of the announcement.

Brown is best known for identifying Shaquille O'Neal in 1984. At the time, O'Neal was 13 years old and living on a military base in West Germany. He stood 6 feet, 9 inches tall. Brown was running a basketball clinic when the young athlete approached him for advice. Brown initially assumed the teenager was a soldier. When O'Neal explained his age, Brown recognized his potential.

The two maintained contact through mail. Brown sent letters and basketball exercises to O'Neal as he developed into a top high school prospect. O'Neal later enrolled at LSU, where he played from 1989 to 1992. He earned two consensus All-American honors and two SEC Player of the Year awards. He became the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft.

O'Neal described Brown as a father figure and motivator. In a 1999 letter to LSU Athletics, O'Neal wrote that Brown was the only college coach he ever had and the only one he ever wanted. Brown remained in O'Neal's life during his professional career. He attended the 2000 NBA championship game with the Los Angeles Lakers. O'Neal returned to LSU that same year to finish his degree, a promise he made to his family and Brown.

ESPN released a documentary titled Shaq & Dale in 2015. The film, directed by Hannah Storm and narrated by Tim McGraw, detailed their relationship from Germany to O'Neal's NBA career. LSU stated the two stayed in regular contact via letters and emails for decades.

O'Neal recorded a video message on Oct. 21 to congratulate Brown on the Wooden Award selection. The award ceremony is scheduled for April 2027. Brown passed away on Friday, Oct. 23.