Shaquille O'Neal makes appearance at the Pit. Here's why.

Jan. 6—For the first time in 25 years, Diesel made an appearance at the Pit.

Pro and College Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal stopped by the Pit prior to New Mexico's game against Wyoming on Saturday evening. The four-time NBA Champion and 15-time NBA All-Star was in Albuquerque for a gig as DJ Diesel at Revel Entertainment Center later that night.

O'Neal, a two-time SEC Player of the Year at Louisiana State, is a friend of UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez, who spent 14 years working in the LSU athletic department. Former Lobo great — and fellow Laker — Michael Cooper was honored during a media timeout on Saturday and rushed over to greet O'Neal immediately after.

Both Cooper and O'Neal were gifted Lobos uniforms with their names on them.

O'Neal has only one previous public appearance at the Pit: a 92-78 Lakers exhibition loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 26, 1999. He led Los Angeles with 16 points and 12 rebounds, despite a 2-for-11 night from the free throw line.