What’s the best thing you could earn being the son of a former NBA legend? While there could be many answers to that, nothing beats the approval of the said NBA dad himself. That’s exactly what a 19-year-old rising talent just received from his father, a 6x NBA All-Star. And when that tribute hit the internet, it didn’t just move fans. It had NBA greats like Kendrick Perkins and Matt Barnes rushing to their keyboards.

The proud dad behind the tribute? None other than former Miami Heat and Warriors star Jermaine O’Neal. In a post overflowing with raw emotion, O’Neal poured his heart out to his son. “As I write this with tears in my eyes, I just want to take a moment to tell you [Jermaine O’Neal Jr.] how incredibly proud I am of the young man you’ve become on the court, off the court, and in life,” he shared. Jermaine O’Neal Jr., a highly regarded 4-star recruit, has made his college commitment to SMU, choosing the Mustangs over Vanderbilt. This decision marks an exciting step for the young swingman as he joins a college basketball program with a rich 109-year history.

Now, this wasn’t just about basketball accolades. The message dug deeper, into the growth and character that come with being a young athlete living in the shadow of a big name. The former Heat star made it clear: his son isn’t defined by his surname. But by his heart, hustle, and the vision he’s chasing on his own terms. O’Neal Sr.’s tribute specifically lauded his son’s determination to carve his own path, acknowledging the inherent pressure of his lineage but emphasizing how Jermaine Jr. has never relied on his father’s name, instead building his own reputation through dedication and hard work.

And if you’ve ever wondered how hard it is to step out from under a famous father’s spotlight, O’Neal didn’t shy away from acknowledging that pressure. Yet, it’s precisely how his son carried himself—never riding the coattails, always forging his own path—that moved him the most.

“You’ve carved out an amazing high school career that you should hold your head high about,” he wrote, raising a virtual glass to a journey built on “perseverance, passion, and fight.” With the next chapter now calling, O’Neal Sr. expressed full confidence that his son’s story is just getting started. Following the IG post by O’Neal, NBA circles didn’t take long to respond.

Meanwhile, Matt Barnes showed his respect for the father-son bond and O’Neal Jr.’s hustle by writing, “Salute [salute emoji],” in the comments. Among many others extending their support for the father-son duo through various emojis were Mark Jackson, Quentin Richardson, and more.

Clearly, the NBA family is watching—and cheering—just as proudly. Something that will most likely further O’Neal Jr.’s confidence for his upcoming basketball journey:

More about Jermaine O’Neal Jr. and his decision regarding his college basketball career

The son of former NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal will soon be headed to SMU, as he chose the Mustangs over Vanderbilt, as confirmed by 247Sports. At 6’5″, O’Neal Jr. brings versatility to the floor as a swingman for the college basketball program that has been running for 109 years now. He’s earned a 4-star rating and currently ranks as the No. 122 overall player in the 2025 class.

Digging deeper into the numbers, he’s also the No. 28 small forward nationwide. And also holds the No. 10 spot among Texas prospects, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. As for his college basketball move, recruiting expert Brandon Jenkins noted that the decision came down to two schools—SMU and Vanderbilt—following O’Neal Jr.’s official visits. Jenkins described him as “an athletic wing with an undeniable pedigree,” highlighting O’Neal Jr.’s ability to knock down open shots from deep and finish around the rim with ease. That smooth perimeter game? It sets him apart from his father, who dominated with his back to the basket, further underscoring Jermaine Jr.’s commitment to creating his own legacy.

Clearly, both left an impression, but SMU won out in the end. Jenkins described him as “an athletic wing with an undeniable pedigree,” highlighting O’Neal Jr.’s ability to knock down open shots from deep and finish around the rim with ease. That smooth perimeter game? It sets him apart from his father, who dominated with his back to the basket. As Jermaine O’Neal highlighted in his IG post, his son is building his own path and style of play.