Santa Monica (CA) Crossroads forward Shareef O’Neal stands at 6’9″ and weighs in at approximately 210 pounds so he is not quite the same size as his Hall of Fame father Shaquille O’Neal. Shareef might have a perimeter oriented game, just a tad different from his Dad’s interior physical style, but he’s one of the most sought-after prospects in the class of 2018.
While some top players in the class of 2017 like Mo Bamba, Trevon Duval, and Kevin Knox have not yet committed anywhere, Shareef made his intentions known with one year left in High School. He will be headed to the Arizona Wildcats next year. He was considering several schools, including his father’s alma mater LSU, the new home of the Ball family at UCLA, California, USC, Kentucky and Kansas.
Following Josh Gershon of Scout.
2018 Santa Monica (CA) Crossroads PF Shareef O'Neal has committed to Arizona, per his AAU team Cal Supreme. Shaq's son is Top 40 prospect.
— Josh Gershon (@JoshGershon) April 19, 2017
O’Neal is an athletic four man with good size, length, and athleticism who can score with his jumper or around the basket. His physical tools give him upside as a rebounder and defender.
California Supreme Basketball would like to congratulation @cynreef on committing to The University of Arizona #TheProcess #FiveStars pic.twitter.com/Z66J3L68hX
— California Supreme (@CalSupremeBball) April 19, 2017
Scout also ranks O’Neal as the 36th ranked prospect in the 2018 class. ESPN has him ranked as their 19th overall prospect in 2018. He’s a highly regarded big man and he’s one of the first in the top 20 to commit. O’Neal joins five-star forward Emmanuel Akot, ranked 21 by ESPN, as the second member of Arizona’s 2018 recruiting class.
O’Neal’s AAU teammate, 2017 Arizona signee Ira Lee, has actively been recruiting him to join Arizona. Another one of O’Neal’s teammates Bol Bol, son of legendary NBA giant Manute Bol, is also a player who is reportedly considering Arizona.
