By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent

Nearly six years ago, Shareef O’Neal was bravely fighting for his life in a hospital bed surrounded by family members. Now, at age 24, he is back chasing his dream of becoming an NBA player like his father, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

The 6-foot-10 forward signed a contract to join the Stockton Kings for the 2024/25 NBA G League season. It’s a remarkable milestone, especially for someone who underwent open heart surgery at 18 years old. It’s also an achievement O’Neal isn’t taking for granted, which he told The OBSERVER in an exclusive interview.

“When I was going through the surgery, I never thought I’d make it to this moment,” O’Neal said about playing professionally. “But being a little older, I wake up thankful every day and appreciative for opportunities like this. I’m blessed to be able to wake up and have the chance to put on this jersey.”

In 2018, O’Neal was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that required surgery. It put a lengthy pause on his college basketball career, but it wasn’t the end. After going through rehab, which included learning to walk again, the basketball star returned to playing competitively. O’Neal played 37 games throughout his college career for the UCLA Bruins and LSU Tigers, his father’s alma mater.

“I have to try and put that stuff in the past,” O’Neal told The OBSERVER. “It was definitely a point when I didn’t think I would make it this far, but now that I’m here, I’m going to do the best I can. It’s going to be a fun season, and I’m really excited.”

First-year head coach Quinton Crawford shares that same excitement regarding coaching O’Neal. When speaking to The OBSERVER, Crawford talked about aiding him in his journey.

“I’m excited for Shareef to have this opportunity,” Crawford said. “Obviously, he’s come a long way. He sat out last year, and I just really want him to embrace this new chapter of his career, and I want to be part of that and help him get to where he wants to be.”

O’Neal’s main focus right now is playing and helping the Stockton Kings win games. However, he also aspires to make it onto an official NBA roster. His childhood ambition has been reignited by his opportunity to play in the G League again.

“Making it to the NBA was why I played basketball as a kid,” O’Neal told The OBSERVER. “Stepping on an NBA floor has always been my dream, and I’m going to keep going until I make it to that point.”

O’Neal’s love for the game of basketball extends beyond his own. While pursuing his NBA career, he’s still able to appreciate others’ success. This year, Bronny and LeBron James made history by becoming the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together for the Los Angeles Lakers. It made O’Neal think about how amazing it would be to play with Shaq if possible.

“It’s awesome to see,” O’Neal said. “Knowing LeBron and Bronny a little bit made it super cool. I’m sure it’s an unreal experience for Bronny. Playing on the same floor as his dad has to be incredible. I wish I got to play with my dad, but yeah, he is a little older.”

The Stockton Kings are in training camp, preparing for their season opener on November 11th. The first time Kings fans will have a chance to see O’Neal and company in person is on November 13th against Salt Lake City in the season opener in Adventist Health Arena.

Related