Shaqir O'Neal Wins 2026 College Dunk Contest, Top Highlights and Reaction Sacramento State forward Shaqir O'Neal secured victory in the 2026 State Farm College Slam Dunk Championships on Friday in Indianapolis, defeating six other competitors in a highly anticipated showdown. The 22-year-old, son of Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, faced a fierce challenge from Nico Ashley of Central Connecticut in the finals, with both athletes delivering standout performances that captivated the audience. O'Neal’s win marked a significant milestone in his collegiate career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most electrifying dunkers in the sport. The competition featured a diverse field of athletes, including Bryson Dawkins of Youngstown St., Jaylin Henderson of Portland St., LaJae Jones of Florida St., William Kyle of Syracuse, and Sam Phipps of UT-Tyler. O'Neal’s path to the championship was defined by his dominance in the semifinals, where he scored 89 out of a possible 100 points over two dunks, narrowly edging out Ashley’s 88. The semifinal round set the stage for an intense final, with both competitors showcasing their technical prowess and creativity. In the finals, Ashley began with a commanding performance, earning a perfect 50 points for a reverse slam off the side of the backboard over Kyle and a cameraman. O'Neal responded with a signature honey dip, a move reminiscent of his father’s iconic 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest performance, but executed with added flair by clearing two players—Kyle and Chauncey Wiggins of Florida State—during the maneuver. Ashley’s second dunk attempt, however, faltered as he struggled to complete a successful move before time ran out, leaving him without a second score.#indianapolis #shaquille_oneal #shaqir_oneal #central_connecticut #state_farm_college_slam_dunk_championships
Shaqir O'Neal, Son of Shaquille, Triumphs in College Slam Dunk Contest April 4, 2026, 11:43 a.m. ET Sacramento State forward Shaqir O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, captured the College Slam Dunk Championship on Friday, April 3, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis during the Men’s Final Four. The 6-foot-8 forward, who wore his father’s “Shaq” shoe brand, delivered a standout performance by elbow-dunking over two opponents and executing a reverse dunk on his final attempt to defeat Central Connecticut’s Nico Ashley. His victory earned him two 50-point scores, the maximum possible in a single dunk contest. After securing the win, Shaqir O’Neal addressed the crowd, saying, “Dad, I know you’re watching this. You said you have ($10,000) for me if I win this. So, hey, I’m expecting my money. Shoutout to my pops.” The moment underscored the personal significance of the achievement for the young athlete, who has long been in the shadow of his father’s iconic basketball career. The contest also saw DePaul’s CJ Gunn claim victory in the men’s 3-point competition, while Kansas’ Elle Evans dominated the women’s 3-point contest. Evans, a standout performer, also won the team shooting competition alongside Purdue’s Fletcher Loyer and Portland State’s Jaylin Henderson. Her dominance extended to the 3-point shootout between champions, where she defeated Gunn in a thrilling showdown. Shaqir O’Neal’s performance in the dunk contest was a highlight of his collegiate career, which has included notable milestones. This season, he averaged 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game for Sacramento State. His journey to the NCAA tournament began at Texas Southern, where he played a limited role off the bench for two seasons before transferring to Florida A&M in 2024-25.#indianapolis #hinkle_fieldhouse #shaquille_oneal #shaqir_oneal #central_connecticut
