Shareef O’Neal is already preparing to begin his 3rd season in the NCAA after two turbulent first years. And judging by the video posted by the elder Shaq, he’s ready to shut his mouth!
Shareef O’Neal’s journey through college has not been easy. Heart operated in his freshman year (a procedure that saved his life), the 2m06 player gradually regained his feelings at UCLA, before being transferred to LSU. There, a lingering ankle injury cut short his hopes of finding some rhythm and scooping up playing time.
After a summer spent working and posting messages showing his motivation on his social networks, “Reef” is finally ready, he hopes, to take off. Smaller than his father, the 20-year-old evolves as a winger, with a completely different palette.
The proof in the video below, which he posted this weekend and which gives a glimpse of high hopes for Shaqir’s brother:
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— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) September 12, 2021
The more curious among you will have noticed that, on the wall of the gymnasium where all the legends of LSU appear, is a certain Shaquille O’Neal. It is indeed in this college that the Big Cactus cut its teeth between 1989 and 1992, before arriving in the NBA with a bang, selected in first position by the Orlando Magic.
Shareef is a far cry from his father’s level, but he still cherishes the hope of a career at the highest level. For this, his figures will have to drastically increase: 2.8 points and 3.1 rebounds on average last year with LSU, all in just under 15 minutes of playing time out of 10 games played. Suffice to say that the room for improvement is colossal for the guy.
Yet NCAA history is full of players who sometimes “break through” late, in their second, third or fourth season. This is obviously all we can wish for “Reef”, who will try to honor his father’s legacy at LSU by signing his best season so far. Obviously, we will follow it with interest.
After years of struggle between heart surgery, injuries and the transfer from UCLA to LSU, Shareef O’Neal feels the time has come to take a turn. Obviously, in any case, the qualities are there!
