Editor’s Note: The Wildcat caught glimpses of Shaquille O’Neal’s funny side this past week during the Suns training camp in McKale Center.

On coach Terry Porter’s new drills
“”I haven’t seen a couple of these drills in a while. I was a little rusty with these drills (Tuesday) but once I get it in my Medulla Maglotta (Medulla Oblongata), whatever, I’ll be ready to go.””

On if he really meant it when he said he’ll retire in two years
“”No, I’m just saying, I have two years left on my contract and we’ll see what happens after that. I came (to Phoenix) and I promised the city something and I’ve gotta fulfill that.””

On playing in McKale Center with LSU in 1991 and losing to the Wildcats 87-67
“”We got smoked, I remember that. Me and (UA head coach Lute) Olson was in the locker room talking about it (Tuesday) morning. I just remember the fans were into it, energetic. They killed us; demolished us.””

On being challenged by UA swimmer Carley Beaudreau Tuesday
“”A girl from the swimming team challenged me. I told her I was the black Michael Phelps and she didn’t believe me. I told her that I was going to be at the pool at 4 o’clock.””

His response Thursday about Tuesday’s challenge
“”She didn’t meet me. I showed up two days in a row. She was scared. She was scared.””

On the Suns’ playoff aspirations
“”I guarantee we won’t lose in the first round this year.””

On Tucson and Phoenix
“”Tucson looks like Phoenix to me. There’s cactus everywhere.””

On if he’ll be a vocal leader this season
“”As far as vocal leadership and getting everyone ready and knocking people out when they fuck around, yeah.””

On rookie Robin Lopez
“”He’s smart. He went to Stanford. That means he probably has a high IQ.””

On the possibility that teammate Amaré Stoudemire may have to wear goggles a la Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
“”Kareem Abdul-Amaré.””

What he said to Stoudemire after Stoudemire called his look with sunglasses “”Amarévision.””
“”Get a pen. Get a pen and copyright that shit.””

– compiled by Lance Madden