Pleasanton Scores Visit From Shaq: See Photos

PLEASANTON, CA — Guests at the grand opening of Medea Medical Product's downtown Pleasanton location felt like they scored a three-pointer when they got to shoot hoops with "Superman" himself: Shaquille O'Neal.

O'Neal played basketball with the kids and posed for photos with the grown-ups at the socially distanced, outdoor event for the technology company. He's a "really personable man," said Chief Marketing Officer Marie Moretti.

"Trust us. He looks even bigger in person," the Pleasanton Downtown Association said.

O'Neal has been an informal member of Medea's Technology Advisory Committee since 2016 and was there in late September to help usher the company into its new location. He heads up the company's sports network, which works with athletes who play sports such as hockey and baseball, she said.

"The first time I saw Medea's personally-programmable LED display in action, I knew I wanted to partner with them," O'Neal said in a 2016 statement from Medea.

Medea has been in Pleasanton for seven years but recently made the move to downtown, Moretti said.

The company pivoted to focus on manufacturing and distribution of personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Sports groups donated some of those masks to unhoused individuals and law enforcement officers, she said.

Check out the new Medea Medical office at 351 Saint Mary St.