BASKETBALL icon Shaquille O'Neal returned to the court on Monday - and took on a local New York social media star.

The 53-year-old surprised a group of kids when he showed up to a gymnasium in the Big Apple to promote his new Hershey candy.

He briefly played against social hoopster George "The Messiah" Papoutsis in a one-on-one.

The first person to score a basket won - but the game didn't last long.

Papoutsis started with the ball and after attempting to get around Shaq, he went for a mid-range jump shot and missed.

O'Neal then took his chance, moving forward with his back to the social media star before sinking a hook shot, sending the young fans into a frenzy.

The NBA legend was in the area to promote his new Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies.

The Hershey candies are sneaker shaped i

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