Shaq favors three coaches for his son, including Johnny Jones
O’Neal is playing an active role in his son’s collegiate basketball recruitment, and why not? Father knows best, especially when your father is a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer.
On The Big Podcast earlier this week, Shaq talked about his son Shareef O’Neal’s basketball future, offering three suggestions for his son’s future collegiate head coach.
"“The potential my father saw in me, and him knowing that I was going to go to the next level, I definitely see it in Shareef. The reason why he trusted me with Dale Brown is because he knew Dale Brown could get me to that next level — not playing-wise or coaching-wise, discipline-wise. So I would like for my son to play for a coach that is going to teach him next level stuff. I have three in mind: Johnny Jones at LSU because I know him personally, [John] Calipari and the coach from Michigan State, Tom Izzo.”"
Shareef, 6’9″ and 204 lbs, is listed as a four-star prospect in the class of 2018, according to 247sports.
Shaq went on the elaborate that why he believes the coaching of Calipari, Izzo and Jones can get his son to the “next level.”
"“I don’t want him to go and play for a coach that’s not going to get him to that next level. I know Tom. I’ve seen his work. I know Calipari. I know Johnny Jones. I need somebody that’s going to curse him out, treat him like a man. Those three guys are the ones that I would like him to play for. I’ve said that many times. I’m not steering him. I’m just letting him know, ‘this is what I think.”"
The younger O’Neal would we wise to heed his father’s advice. Of Shaq’s three choices, two (Kentucky and Michigan State) are premier blue-blood programs in college basketball, while LSU is his father’s alma mater.
Of course, Jones is the only coach of the three Shaq listed that is likely on the hot seat in the upcoming season. Another poor showing and Jones could be packing his bags and leaving Baton Rouge. Would that change Shaq’s feelings about his son attending LSU in two years?
Probably not. Shaq is LSU’s most recognizable alumnus and a massive (literally) global ambassador for the Purple & Gold.
Next: Top 10 Players of the Johnny Jones Era