As the streets were packed with upperclassmen moving in this afternoon, one of Boston’s newest celebrities was drawing his own crowd in Harvard Square.

Shaquille O’Neal, who was signed by the Boston Celtics this month, was spotted on Massachusetts Avenue outside the new TD Bank (on the corner of Plympton Street), where this correspondent nearly walked right into him. O’Neal was easily recognizable, thanks to his enormous 7’1” frame, and he left behind a wake of gaping tourists whipping out cell phone cameras.

Shaq is a 15-time All-Star who’s known nearly as well for his large personality as his on-court accomplishments. He signed a two-year deal with the Celtics on Aug. 4 and will likely see playing time at center while Celtics starter Kendrick Perkins recovers from a knee injury.

He made the rounds in Boston today, appearing at the UFC Fan Expo downtown before arriving in Harvard Square this afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.