via CBS Sports:

Shaquille O’Neal was at the NCAA convention where he talked about how getting his doctorate in education was the most challenging things he’s done in his life, incuding his NBA career. He went on to discuss that it would be better for NCAA athletes to stay in college longer so that they don’t end up broke. It’s not about how much money they make, but how much they will keep. To provide an example he referenced how he spent $1 million in 30 minutes with his first NBA check.

O’Neal said earning his doctoral degree in education, which he received last May from Barry College in Florida, was harder than anything he ever did athletically. He also talked about the importance of education, saying in the age of one-and-done basketball players that they should have to stay in school at least three years before going pro, such as the rule for NCAA football players.

“A lot of guys do it because of their financial situation and they need to do it. That’s the only way to provide a better means for their family. So when you look at it from that aspect, I understand it,” said O’Neal, who then told Emmert that if up to him the rule would “probably say three-and-done.”

For players who do leave early, O’Neal’s advice is to make sure they go back and finish their education. He said it’s not a matter of how much money they will make, but how much they’re going to keep.

O’Neal, who called his three years as an LSU player the best time of his life, recalled spending “$1 million in about 30 minutes” after he got his first check as the NBA’s first overall pick in 1992. He quickly realized he wasn’t as smart as he thought about money despite a few business and accounting classes.

So for all you youngsters out there, stay in school.