Heartbreaking news has recently affected the O’Neal family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
Shareef O’Neal, the 18-year-old son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and Basketball Wives creator Shaunie O’Neal, has been one of the most highly sought-after high school basketball players during his senior season. There was significant anticipation surrounding his upcoming college basketball career with UCLA this year.
Unfortunately, Shareef has bravely announced that UCLA’s medical staff discovered a serious heart condition during a routine check-up, which requires him to undergo major heart surgery.
Peter Guber, Co-Executive Chairman of the Golden State Warriors and Chairman and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, was seen speaking with Shaquille O’Neal and Shareef O’Neal as they attended a basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, where Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s jersey was retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.
Despite this setback, Shareef credits UCLA’s medical staff with “saving his life” and has shared his plans moving forward in a recent interview with TMZ. He confirmed that he will need to sit out his entire freshman season and will participate only as a “normal student” during this period.
Shareef stated:
“So, the other day during a routine check-up…we found a medical issue dealing with my heart. Thank God the UCLA medical staff found it early, but because of this, I will not be playing this season and I will be a medical redshirt.”
He continued, outlining his focus during this time:
“During this time off, I’ll be off for a while, I’ll be focusing on academics, my health of course, and I’ll just be observing [the team] to be the best player I [can] be next year.”
Although Shareef acknowledges that his heart surgery will require him to be “out for a couple of months,” he wants the public to know that this will not end his career:
“A lot of people are asking if this is career ending. Absolutely not, it’s just a little bump in the road and I’ll be back in no time. During my rehab, I’ll be attending my classes and being a normal student.”
Shareef took a moment to thank his supporters and to share his honest feelings about this unexpected challenge, while also expressing optimism for the future:
“I’d like to thank UCLA, my family and my teammates and everyone who supports me in this decision. And I just want to say to all the kids [that] the road to success is not always gonna be a straight path. You know, you gotta go through some bumps and bruises. It’s not always gonna be easy. I’m a little down, feels like I was on my peak in basketball and going into my freshman year, coming out of a state championship at my high school. Felt like I was at the top of my game, just trying to get better, then this happened. So, I’m just doing my best to focus on my health right now.”
This situation is undoubtedly challenging for Shareef and his family, but his courage and determination are commendable. Fans and supporters look forward to seeing Shareef return to the court after his heart surgery and continue to achieve great success, sending positive energy and support his way.
