Original Publish Date: July 16, 2025

Article Link: https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/article310700020.html

The city of Rockwall has a new basketball court, courtesy of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale.

O’Neal and Ogunbowale unveiled the court, situated in Gloria Williams Park, on Monday afternoon. The project was done in partnership with the City of Rockwall, the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and Icy Hot.

O’Neal, during an interview prior to the unveiling, gave Ogunbowale credit for the idea to build the court.

Ogunbowale cited her roots within the Dallas-Fort Worth area and an appreciation for young fans as her reason behind the initiative.

“It’s definitely special,” Ogunbowale said. “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.”

The renovated court at Glorida Williams park is now part of a collection of Comebaq Courts, a joint venture by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation to build well-equipped and safe courts for kids across the country.

Upgrades to the court include fully replaced surface, LED court lighting and poles, all-new black poly-coated fencing, new basketball poles, backboards and rims and player benches with overhead canopies.

O’Neal also gave props to the City of Rockwall for their cooperation in renovating the court, specifically the Director of Parks and Recreation, Travis Sales.

 “We called and we asked,” Shaquille said, referencing his foundation and Icy Hot. “He[Sales] didn’t give us none of that city mumbo-jumbo. He said, ‘Just do it.’”

Ogunbowale, when speaking to the crowded, further emphasized how special it was to be able to give back.

“When we were younger, you know, we dreamed of having people pour into us,” Ogunbowale 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, you know, play the game you love, and have a safe environment is special.”

Before members of the Boys & Girls Club joined O’Neal and Ogunbowale for a game of Knockout on their new court, O’Neal had an announcement. All of the children at the event would be receiving a new pair of basketball shoes.

The declaration garnered an eruption of applause and cheers.

With a new court and shoes on the way, the next generation of Rockwall hoopers now have everything they need to play, dream, and grow right in their own backyard.