See Shaquille O'Neal's message for Kade Anderson and Jay Johnson ahead of CWS final
Ahead of LSU baseball's opening contest for the College World Series final in Omaha, the team received a special message from an iconic Tiger.
Former LSU men's basketball star Shaquille O'Neal stood next to head coach Matt McMahon to motivate the Tigers a day before their clash with Coastal Carolina inside Charles Schwab Stadium.
"Coach [Jay] Johnson, you know what you've got to do," O'Neal said. "LSU players, you know what you've got to do."
The NBA legend then turned his attention to left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson, who will start on the bump against the Chanticleers.
"Kade, I want you to look at that catcher and tell him no," O'Neal said. "Then tell him no again. Then I want you to get in that stand-up form, throw those strikes and bring home that championship."
LSU has to feel good about its chances with Anderson on the mound. The lefty has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the country and is in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in this Summer's MLB Draft. Anderson has a 3.44 ERA in 110 innings in 2025. He leads the nation in strikeouts.
College World Series Final Schedule
LSU, one of the top programs in the sport, is looking for its eighth national title. Here's the schedule for the 2025 College World Series final.
Game 1, Saturday, June 21
The series will begin Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. LSU will be the home team and ace Kade Anderson is expected to get the start. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Game 2, Sunday, June 22
Game 2 is set for 1:30 p.m. CT. LSU is expected to start Anthony Eyanson and be the visiting team. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on ABC.
Game 3, Monday, June 23
If necessary, the squads will play a decisive Game 3 at 6:30 p.m. CT on Monday on ESPN. LSU's CWS final against Florida went to three games in 2023.
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