Shaq Nominated; Ceballos Practices

Picture this television moment, if you will: Shaquille O’Neal, cradling a Grammy Award in his hands and leaning into the podium microphone to deliver his acceptance speech.

“I have won,” he will say, “on every level, except college and pro.”

O’Neal reached the semifinals Tuesday by receiving a Grammy nomination for Best R&B; Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for his ensemble work on the song “Stomp,” a track on Quincy Jones’ 1996 compilation album, “Q’s Jook Joint.”

O’Neal is one of 13 singers and rappers nominated for “Stomp,” a remake of the Brothers Johnson original that also featured vocals by Chaka Khan, Coolio, Melle Mel, Yo-Yo and Mr. X.

Shaq’s competition is “Slow Jams” by Babyface and Tamia with Portrait and Barry White; “Don’t Let Go (Love)” by En Vogue; “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by the Fugees; and “Never Miss The Water” by Chaka Khan featuring Me’Shell Ndegeocello.

Shaq’s chances?

Well, Quincy Jones is the Michael Jordan of R&B; producers--he was named Outstanding Jazz Artist for “Q’s Jook Joint” at last April’s NAACP Image Awards. And, better still: No free-throw shooting involved.