Few names in the world of basketball are as respected as Shaquille O’Neal‘s. The imposing NBA legend left a legacy, not only with his dominance on the court but also for his loving personality. But today, the focus is on another O’Neal, his son Shareef, who underwent a life-changing heart operation and then embarked on a miraculous journey back to the hardwood. Shareef O’Neal was born into the basketball dynasty of the O’Neal family, and his future appeared to be set in stone. But in 2018, at the age of 18, life dealt him a curveball that would test him in ways he had never anticipated.

Recently, the now 23-year-old basketball player reflected on his basketball journey, recalling how his father brought him back on the hardwood.

Shareef O’Neal received a life-changing diagnosis at the age of eighteen

Shareef O’Neal, at the tender age of 18, received the devastating news that he had a right anomalous coronary artery, a condition that can cause heart failure, sudden cardiac death, and chest pain. The familiar feeling of a rapid heartbeat during a basketball session signaled the beginning of his journey into the unknown.

Shareef O’Neal recalls, “It was either our first or second like basketball workout, and then you know I felt the same exact thing. Like the same exact fast heartbeat and that was my first time feeling it in years.”

Shareef continued his practice with the cardiac monitor on. However, it wasn’t until a few days later that the seriousness of the situation finally dawned on him. Shareef got a call from his trainer telling him to head over to the facility with his parents. He realized then that something was very wrong.

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Shareef received the diagnosis of the right anomalous coronary artery and was presented with a choice. He could either play on with the problem, not knowing what the future might bring, or undergo heart surgery, possibly saving his life but risking the end of his basketball dreams.

Fortunately, he proceeded with the heart surgery. He went under the knife on December 13, 2018, at the age of 22. However, it was a difficult journey to rehabilitation, both mentally and physically. Shareef had to come to terms with the fact that he would be unable to continue playing. He was fresh off winning a state title for his high school with ESPN ranking him as California’s top player. His goals seemed to be out of reach but were actually tantalizingly close.

However, what kept him going were his father’s words as he attempted to walk again. “If you come back from this, you the baddest man on the planet,” Shaq said.

Surely enough, those words got to him. He shared a screenshot of the YouTube video on his Instagram story. He also wrote, “Man it didnt hit me when I was talking about it but looking back at the video brought back a lot of emotions. Thank you @playmaker.”

Read More: Having Witnessed His Sister’s Devastating Battle, Shaquille O’Neal Offers Comfort to One Cancer Patient in Dallas

Meanwhile, with his father’s words spurring him on, Shareef O’Neal plays for the G-league today.

Shareef O’Neal returns to the hardwood

Shareef formerly ranked among the top 50 basketball prospects, with a bright future ahead of him. However, after missing the entirety of his first year at UCLA, his career took a severe hit. A series of foot injuries that occurred after this setback during his time at LSU further hampered his progress on the court. Despite these obstacles, the 22-year-old nevertheless declared for the NBA Draft, but he was unsuccessful in getting a spot.

The Lakers’ Summer League team was his next effort to display his skills. However, his performance in the summer league too did not scream domination. Yet, the 22-year-old forward averaged 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in slightly over 11 minutes per game over his four summer league games. That was enough for him to get recognition from the G-league.

Watch This Story: ‘Your Father Was a Monster’: Despite 400 Million Net Worth and 4 Rings, Shaquille O’Neal Does Not Want Son Shareef to Follow His Path

The NBA G League Ignite is a place where one develops youthful talent for the NBA. Shareef O’Neal’s journey to the NBA may not be as he anticipated. However, he is still on the right path with his father, Shaq by his side.