High school basketball phenom Shareef O’Neal has some pretty big shoes to fill on the hardwood, considering he’s the son NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
Although comparisons to his polarizing father will definitely be plenty throughout his career, the promising 17-year-old is already paving his own way to fame by committing to the University of Arizona as a member of the 2018 recruiting class.
The move comes as a surprise, as the elder O’Neal expressed his desire for Shareef to play for powerhouse programs Kentucky, Michigan State or his alma mater, LSU (Louisiana State University).
Still, the TNT host congratulated his son for his bold decision.
“Congratulation @shareefoneal I’m so proud of you dude, you on your way baby,” the proud father captioned his Instagram post.
Congratulation @shareefoneal I’m so proud of you dude, you on your way baby
A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on
The slender teenager is currently listed at 6-foot-8 and 206 pounds, and has been ranked by ESPN as the No. 19 overall prospect for 2018.
He also possesses a skill set different from his post-dominant father, as evidenced by his impressive ball-handling and outside shooting prowess.
Catch some of his highlights in the clip below. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
California Supreme Basketball would like to congratulation @cynreef on committing to The University of Arizona #TheProcess#FiveStarspic.twitter.com/Z66J3L68hX
— California Supreme (@CalSupremeBball) April 19, 2017
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