NEW YORK -- Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal, who led all NBA first-year players in points, rebounds, blocked shots and shattered backboards, Thursday was named the league's Rookie of the Year.
O'Neal, who led the Magic to the NBA's most improved record over last season, was was an overwhelming choice of a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the NBA, receving 96 of a possible 98 votes.
The panel consists of three media members from each league city plus 17 from from the national media. Charlotte Hornets center Alonzo Mourning received the two remaining votes.
O'Neal, selected by Orlando out of Louisiana State with the first pick in the 1992 draft, averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.53 blocked shots. The 7-foot-1 center led the Magic to the best record in the club's four-year history at 41-41, which represented an improvement of 20 victories over the previous season. The Magic just missed qualifying for their first playoff berth.
O'Neal was the only NBA player to rank among the league's top 10 in four different categories this season. He was fourth in shooting percentage, second in rebounding and blocked shots and eighth in scoring.
He was the 14th rookie in NBA history to start in an All-Star Game.
