WNBA rookie’s mother ‘loved’ being hit on by Shaquille O’Neal on live TV

WNBA rookie DiDi Richards says her mum is loving the new-found attention she’s getting after Shaquille O’Neal called her “fine” on live TV.

DiDi Richards says her mum, Ungeanetta, is loving the new-found attention she’s getting after the Baylor college basketballer went 17th overall to the New York Liberty in the 2021 WNBA Draft.

Richards was asked how her mum is handing being in the spotlight — specifically after Shaquille O’Neal called her “fine” on Inside The NBA in April.

Watch live coverage every week of the WNBA Regular Season with ESPN on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

“My mum's beautiful and I know that, and it’s just good to see the world take that in,” Richards told reporters: “She’s the face behind the face, and no one ever gets to see that. And I’m just happy that she got her little shine. She loves it. My mum loves the attention. So as long as she loves it, I love it.”

Shaquille O'Neal.

O’Neal, who’s been divorced from ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal since 2011, tried to shoot his shot with Ungeanetta on the day before the draft.

Her daughter appeared on Inside the NBA to discuss her inspiring NCAA comeback after suffering a spinal cord injury in October that resulted in temporary paralysis.

At one point, Ungeanetta made a brief appearance in the background of Richards’ interview, and immediately caught O’Neal’s attention.

“Hey D-Wade,” O’Neal called to fellow co-host Dwyane Wade, “I got a new website called, ‘Damn yo momma fine’.”

“I got a new website called damn yo mama fine.”

- Shaq. 😂😂😂

(h/t @gifdsports)

pic.twitter.com/N8BYq0K9j9

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 14, 2021

READ MORE: Cambage, Bogut spat takes off

The TNT crew, including Richards, had a good laugh over the comment, with the Liberty star even applauding O’Neal’s swift move on her mum.

Meanwhile, co-host Candace Parker chimed in to note that Ungeanetta looked “ageless” in the TV appearance.

During WNBA media day, DiDi credited her mum for telling her that she can still be girly, with her nails and hair done, while playing basketball at a high level.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission