Where is Shaqir O'neal Going to college?

By Justin Rubin March 18, 2024 00:41

Photo by Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In the world of basketball, the O'Neal family name holds significant weight due to the legacy of the legendary NBA star, Shaquille O'Neal.

Following his footsteps, his children have been making waves in the basketball scene, with his youngest son, Shaqir O'Neal, recently making a significant decision regarding his college basketball career.

Shaqir O'Neal's Commitment

Shaquille O'Neal's 18-year-old son, Shaqir O'Neal, recently made a pivotal decision by committing to play college basketball at Texas Southern University.

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This announcement was made public through his Instagram account, where he expressed his aspirations of making a mark in the league and contributing to changing the narrative about high-profile athletes pursuing a future at historically Black colleges and universities.

Background

Shaqir O'Neal, a 6'6" shooting guard, is a graduate of Union Grove High School and is rated as a 3-star prospect.

In the 2021 recruiting class, he is ranked as the No. 55 player at his position according to 247Sports composite rankings.

His decision to join Texas Southern University signifies a significant move not only for his career but also for the university's basketball program.

Family Legacy

Shaquir O'Neal's commitment to Texas Southern University adds another chapter to the O'Neal family's connection with college basketball.

His older brother, Shareef O'Neal, is already enrolled at LSU after spending two seasons at UCLA.

The decision made by Shaqir O'Neal aligns with his family's dedication to the sport and their impact on the college basketball landscape.

Texas Southern University

The Tigers of Texas Southern University compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Under the guidance of head coach Johnny Jones, the program has shown promise, with a notable record of 57-39 in his first three seasons with the team.

The university's basketball program has also earned recognition through their participation in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, where they made an appearance as a No. 16 seed.

Impact of Shaqir O'Neal's Decision

Shaquir O'Neal's commitment to Texas Southern University not only reflects his personal aspirations but also sheds light on the growing significance of historically Black colleges and universities in the realm of college basketball.

His decision to contribute to this narrative carries the potential to inspire other high-profile athletes to consider such institutions for their college careers, thereby contributing to the diversification and enrichment of college basketball programs across the nation.

All in all

Shaqir O'Neal's commitment to Texas Southern University marks a significant milestone in his basketball journey.

With a strong family legacy and a personal drive to make an impact, his decision to join the Tigers will undoubtedly shape the landscape of college basketball, contributing to the growing recognition of historically Black colleges and universities in the sports arena.

As he embarks on this new chapter, the basketball community eagerly anticipates the contributions and achievements that Shaqir O'Neal will bring to Texas Southern University's basketball program.