Jermaine O'Neal is a former professional basketball player known for his time in the NBA. Born on October 13, 1978, in Columbia, South Carolina, he was drafted straight out of high school by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1996. O'Neal played as a center and power forward, showcasing his skills with teams like the Indiana Pacers, where he became a multiple-time All-Star. Throughout his career, O'Neal was recognized for his scoring ability, rebounding, and shot-blocking. He was instrumental in leading the Pacers to the playoffs multiple times and earned an All-NBA selection. O'Neal retired in 2014 after a successful career spanning nearly two decades.