Cover stars for sports titles seem to be big news nowadays and they literally don’t come much bigger than this, as 7ft 1in Miami Heat powerhouse Shaquille O’Neal is set to continue as the mascot for 2K Sport’s seminal B’baller franchise with the upcoming NBA 2K7.

2K Sports confirmed the news recently via an official press release, stating that the unstoppable Heat centre and absolute NBA legend will continue with his duties as official spokesman for the game:

“Shaquille O’Neal remains one of the most dominant, exciting, and charismatic athletes in the world,” stated Erik Whiteford, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “Shaq is well-known for his fun-loving nature, great work ethic, and incredible athletic skills. His dominating game and winning attitude make him the central figure on every team he is a part of, including 2K Sports. We’re very pleased to be working with Shaq again with NBA 2K7.”

Shaq himself also paid the usual corporate lip service stating:

“You only get to represent the best by playing with the best,” said Shaq. “NBA 2K7 is the game for champions and I’m proud to be a part of the best basketball game anywhere.”

As a somewhat of an NBA follower myself (Bulls fan!) this is a game I’m looking forward to, especially after a highly playable and agreeable first 360 outing with NBA 2K6. Although it will be nice to see whether they will have ironed out some of the more cosmetically ‘unpolished’ areas with this year’s next-gen effort.

Although for us European basketball fans, the more interesting point to be clarified is whether we will be made to endure the same six-month wait this time round; seeing as the 2K6 edition only hit our shores in April this year after originally being touted as a launch title.

NBA 2K7 is pencilled in for a September release on Xbox 360, Xbox, and PS2. The PS3 version will be making its appearance during the holiday season.