Shaqir O’Neal, the youngest son of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, has made a major career decision. After just one season at Florida A&M University, he entered the NCAA transfer portal, searching for a fresh start. Now, it seems he’s found his next home.
With his basketball pedigree and growing skillset, Shaqir had multiple options to consider. During his only season with the Rattlers, he averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.3% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. His stats are enough to make him a prospect for a team looking to add depth. However, despite all the options he had, the 21-year-old had his own plans.
Shaqir O’Neal recently took to social media to share his choice. “I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to Sacramento State University,” he said. “I am incredibly grateful to Coach Bibby and the entire coaching staff for believing in me.” With this decision, he’s stepping into a program where he hopes to make an impact. However, here’s the twist: his father might not be too happy with this decision.
However, his commitment is interesting, considering Shaquille O’Neal’s past history with Coach Mike Bibby. During his time with the Lakers, Shaq had a long-standing rivalry with the Sacramento Kings and often took jabs at Bibby. He once referred to the Kings as the “Sacramento Queens” and questioned Bibby’s legitimacy as a top player. When Bibby was selected for the 2004 Olympic team, Shaq didn’t hold back, saying, “Any Cub Scout with Boy Scouts can do Boy Scoutish things… When the [bleep] was in Vancouver, nobody hears about his punk [butt]. Now since he’s on Sacramento… That’s some [mess] that he’s on the team.”
Despite the history, Shaqir is forging his own way, proving that his career won’t be dictated by past rivalries. Now, all eyes will be on him as he begins this new chapter.
(This is a developing story…)
The post Shaqir O’Neal Stirs Drama Committing to Father Shaq’s Fierce Rival Amid NCAA Transfer Portal Chaos appeared first on EssentiallySports.