Shaquille O’Neal: “Turkey was amazing” – NBA legend shines in Cologne and recalls Istanbul visit
Shaquille O’Neal once again proved he is as much an entertainer as he is a basketball icon during a vibrant event in Cologne, Germany, where he spoke fondly about his recent trip to Turkey. The former NBA superstar took part in a special program held in the Deutz district of Cologne, combining basketball, music and fan interaction in a single evening.
The event took place at the Bootshaus venue, where a temporary basketball court was set up especially for O’Neal. The four-time NBA champion stepped onto the court to take shots, drawing immediate attention from everyone present. Fans gathered around to watch the 2.16-meter giant sink baskets with the same ease that made him one of the most dominant centers in basketball history.
Between shots and fan interactions, O’Neal took time to respond to questions from reporters. When asked about his impressions of Turkey, the American legend did not hesitate to share his admiration. Speaking to reporters, he summed up his experience in simple but heartfelt words: “I love Turkey very much. Turkey was amazing.” His short sentence carried the weight of sincere appreciation for the country and the hospitality he experienced there.
After his stint on the court, O’Neal switched roles and transformed from retired NBA star into “DJ Diesel,” his well-known stage persona as a DJ and electronic music performer. Moving to the DJ booth, he delivered a powerful electronic music set for the crowd, energizing the venue and turning the sports-themed gathering into a late-night party. For many in attendance, seeing one of basketball’s greatest players mixing tracks live was as impressive as watching his dunks and post moves in his playing days.
O’Neal’s praise for Turkey is tied closely to his visit to Istanbul earlier in the year. On January 20, he was hosted at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During that visit, O’Neal and Erdoğan shared the court for a brief basketball session, exchanging passes and shots in a light-hearted atmosphere.
The meeting in Istanbul did not end with a casual shootaround. O’Neal and Erdoğan signed basketballs and handed them to each other, creating a symbolic moment that highlighted the intersection of sports, diplomacy and cultural exchange. Young athletes present at the center had the unique chance to take photographs with the NBA legend and the Turkish president, turning the day into an unforgettable memory for the aspiring players.
O’Neal’s relationship with Cologne is also becoming something of a tradition. During a previous visit to the city, he headed to a public court on Deutzer Freiheit, where he joined local youngsters for an impromptu basketball session. He played pickup games with them, joked around and took photos, later sharing clips and images from those moments on his social media channels. The scenes of Shaq towering over local players yet laughing and playing with them showcased his reputation as a globally beloved figure, not just an American sports star.
Since 2023, O’Neal has been performing at Bootshaus every summer, building a loyal following among German electronic music fans. His sets as DJ Diesel often blend heavy bass with a high-energy stage presence, and his appearance this year followed the same pattern: basketball first, then a club-style performance that kept the crowd engaged until late into the night.
The on-court and on-stage activities in Cologne are only one chapter in a long and illustrious career. O’Neal is best remembered for his dominance in the NBA, where he collected four championship rings – three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat. With the Lakers, he formed one of the most lethal duos in league history alongside Kobe Bryant, capturing three consecutive titles and redefining what it meant to control the paint. His move to Miami brought another championship and cemented his legacy as a player who could transform any franchise into a contender.
Over the course of his 19-year NBA career, O’Neal was selected to the All-Star Game 15 times, reflecting his consistent status as one of the league’s top players. In 2000, he was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, a season in which his combination of strength, agility and scoring power left opponents with few answers. In recognition of his impact on the sport, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, an honor reserved only for the greatest figures in basketball history.
O’Neal’s strong words about Turkey echo a wider trend of international athletes discovering and appreciating the country’s basketball culture. Turkey has become a significant player on the global basketball stage, hosting major tournaments and producing top-level talent. For a figure like Shaq to publicly praise the country helps strengthen the bridge between Turkish basketball fans and the global NBA community, inspiring young players in Turkey who grew up watching his highlights.
His appearance at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center also carried symbolic meaning for youth development. Seeing a Hall of Famer interact directly with young athletes sends a powerful message: that dreams are valid, and that hard work can connect a local training facility in Istanbul with the very pinnacle of the sport. Moments like these are often remembered not for statistics or formal speeches, but for a friendly pass, a shared laugh or a photo that stays on a wall for years.
Beyond sports and politics, O’Neal’s dual identity as a basketball legend and performing DJ shows how modern athletes are expanding their influence. Rather than disappearing from public life after retiring, he has built a second career in entertainment, business and media. Events like the one in Cologne, where a basketball court and DJ booth sit side by side, reflect the way he has blended these roles into a single, multifaceted brand.
His positive comments about Turkey also resonate with fans who see stars like O’Neal as informal ambassadors. When such a recognizable figure describes a country as beautiful and welcoming, it shapes global perception. It encourages tourism, cultural curiosity and, in this case, appreciation for Turkish basketball infrastructure and passion for the game.
For German fans, the Cologne event was a chance to experience the full Shaquille O’Neal package: the towering presence on the court, the friendly public persona answering questions, and the explosive energy of DJ Diesel behind the decks. For Turkish fans, his words of praise and the memory of his January visit serve as confirmation that their country has left a strong impression on one of basketball’s all-time greats.
In the end, what stands out is how seamlessly O’Neal moves between roles – athlete, entertainer, guest of honor and mentor. His simple statement, “Turkey was amazing,” says as much about his openness to new cultures as it does about the hospitality he received. Between Istanbul and Cologne, on the hardwood and in the DJ booth, Shaquille O’Neal continues to show why his influence extends far beyond the basketball court.