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Shaquille O’Neal and Arike Ogunbowale Unveil New Basketball Court in Rockwall to Inspire the Next Generation

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Shaquille O’Neal and Arike Ogunbowale Unveil New Basketball Court in Rockwall to Inspire the Next Generation

ROCKWALL, Texas (July 15, 2025) — Basketball legends past and present came together Monday afternoon in Rockwall for a powerful act of community service and youth empowerment. NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and Dallas Wings All-Star Arike Ogunbowale officially unveiled a brand-new basketball court at Gloria Williams Park, bringing excitement, opportunity, and resources to a new generation of local hoopers.

The initiative, made possible through a collaboration between the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, Icy Hot, and the City of Rockwall, is part of the Comebaq Courts campaign — a national effort focused on revitalizing public courts and promoting safe, modern spaces for youth to play and develop their skills.

But the heart of this project started with Ogunbowale. The WNBA guard has spent her entire professional career in North Texas and felt compelled to give back to the community that’s supported her journey.

“It’s definitely special,” Ogunbowale said at the unveiling. “This is like my second home. I’ve been here my whole career, so this initiative with Icy Hot and Shaq was a no-brainer. Just to give back to the youth that pours into us and my teammates every night is special.”

A Court Reborn

The newly upgraded court features a fully resurfaced playing area, LED court lighting, all-new black poly-coated fencing, modern backboards and rims, and player benches with overhead canopies—all designed to provide a professional, safe, and inspiring environment for kids to play.

O’Neal praised Travis Sales, Director of Rockwall Parks and Recreation, for his swift support and leadership in making the project happen.

“We called and we asked,” O’Neal said, referring to outreach from his foundation and Icy Hot. “He didn’t give us none of that city mumbo-jumbo. He said, ‘Just do it.’”

More Than Just a Court

For both athletes, the mission went far beyond asphalt and hoops. It was about creating access, encouraging dreams, and pouring back into the youth—a sentiment Ogunbowale shared in her message to the crowd.

“When we were younger, we dreamed of having people pour into us,” she said. “So just being a part of this, seeing you guys get a court that you can grow on, play with your friends, and just play the game you love in a safe environment is special.”

Before the ceremonial first game began, O’Neal made a surprise announcement that brought smiles and cheers from every corner of the court: all attending kids from the Boys & Girls Club would be receiving brand-new basketball shoes.

Laying the Foundation for the Future

This project marks another chapter in the growing partnership between Ogunbowale and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation to uplift underserved communities through sport. Earlier this year, the two also donated funds to help renovate additional courts in Rockwall County, deepening their commitment to building both infrastructure and hope.

As the game of Knockout tipped off with local youth, Shaq, and Arike all taking turns at the free-throw line, the message was clear: this court is more than a gift—it’s an investment in the next generation.

With a world-class facility and a community of support behind them, the kids of Rockwall now have a home court where dreams can begin—and legends can be inspired.

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