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. Though it is not exactly surprising considering he joined the team after spending two seasons at Texas Southern. Interestingly, while he appeared in 41 games there, he was only in the starting lineup for two. While his role was limited, he gained valuable experience that came in handy during his time in Florida. 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 to their lineup. 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.

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Do you think Shaqir O'Neal's decision to commit to Sacramento State, despite his father's past rivalry with Coach Bibby, is a bold move?

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Do you think Hailey Van Lith made the right decision by prioritizing her happiness over staying with a top program?

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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, showing that his career won’t be dictated by past rivalries. And while we don’t know for sure if Shaq was fine with his decision or not, it wouldn’t be the first time one of his sons went against his desire.

The O’Neal Brothers take different routes to success

Shaquille O’Neal’s sons, Shareef and Shaqir both have been chasing basketball dreams but in very different ways. Shareef made headlines when he decided to leave college early and enter the 2022 NBA Draft. At first, his dad wasn’t on board with the move. Moreover, it makes sense that Diesel would have second thoughts about this decision.

After all, Shaq knows the NBA grind all too well. He has played 19 seasons in the NBA, from 1992 to the 2010-2011 season. So, understandably, the 1x NBA MVP tried to stop his son from going through with his decision.

But Shareef wasn’t deterred. “Once we came to an agreement, he got on my side… He was like, ‘You’re my son. I’m going to support you no matter what,’” Shareef said. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it brought father and son closer. However, a brief career scare happened back in 2018 as he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition and had to undergo surgery. Since then, he has also joined his father in working to help “rebrand” Reebok.

That aside, it’s clear that even when they disagree, they’ve got each other’s backs. Now, Shaqir is going down a different path. Instead of jumping straight to the pros, he’s decided to transfer to Sacramento State, hoping to grow more as a player. Some would ask why take the longer route?

Maybe it’s because he knows his game still needs work. Or maybe he has his sights on something bigger for the future. What’s clear for now is that both brothers are determined to carve a path for themselves. Sure, they have Shaq’s name, but they’re showing the world they’ve got their own stories to tell.