Amid the ongoing FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball, Shareef O’Neal, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, has announced that he has de-committed from the Arizona Wildcats.
O’Neal had been committed to Arizona since signing a Letter of Intent to the university in November of last year, but after his decision to re-open his recruitment it is believed that the Kentucky Wildcats could be the new favorites to land the 6-foot-9 power forward.
The Class of 2018 prospect is currently a standout at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Calif.
O’Neal holds offers from a number of the nation’s top programs, including UCLA, USC, Georgetown and Arizona.
However, it appears that Arizona head coach Sean Miller’s recent involvement in the FBI investigation — where he was reportedly captured on a wiretap discussing payment to a recruit/player — has caused him to look elsewhere for his college home.
“At this time I’m am opening up my recruitment due to the current events with the UofA Bball team.I would like to thank all the coaches for recruiting me. At the time my family and I think it’s in my best interest to look at other options to assure my play in the NCAA next year,” O’Neal wrote on Twitter.
“I wanted to send a personal thank you to Coach Miller, Coach Romar, Coach Phelps, and all the Arizona staff and fans for all the support they’ve shown my family and me.”
O’Neal is a four-star recruit who is the No. 4-ranked prospect in the state of California. Overall, Shaq’s son is the ninth-ranked player at his position and the No. 33 overall player in the country.
Shareef O’Neal: Shaq's Son Re-Opens Recruit Over Arizona Allegations
