Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball Hall-of-Famer,TV analyst, sporadic rapper, and businessman is taping into his poetic side in a new public television series called, “Poetry in America.”

He showcases his talents in a dramatic reading of a poem alongside Harvard English professor, Elisa New.  According to the show’s website…

Edward Hirsch’s poem, “Fast Break,” captures a single slow-motion play on a basketball court. Join Hirsch, host Elisa New, NBA players Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, and Shane Battier, and a group of pick-up basketball players as they use basketball to understand poetry—and poetry to better understand the game of basketball. Hirsch himself reveals how he shaped his couplets to represent offense and defense, teamwork and rivalry, enduring friendship and human mortality. Shaquille does the play by play, heading this episode’s team of on court interpreters who explore “Fast Break” as sport, art, and lens on human character.

Other special guests on the series will include Nas, Paul Gasol, Bono, Bill Clinton, Herbie Hancock and many more.

For more details about the show, visit www.poetryinamerica.org.