Featured Columnist IVSeptember 18, 2024
Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos
The SMU Mustangs added a well-known identify for basketball followers to their 2025 recruiting class Wednesday.
Jermaine O’Neal Jr., who’s the son of former NBA participant Jermaine O’Neal, selected SMU over Vanderbilt, per 247Sports.
The 6’5″ swingman is a 4-star prospect and the No. 122 total participant, No. 28 small ahead and No. 10 prospect from the state of Texas within the 2025 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports famous his choice got here right down to SMU and Vanderbilt after he accomplished his official visits to the 2 faculties.
“O’Neal Jr. is an athletic wing with an simple pedigree and nice long run instruments on each ends of the ground when factoring in his athleticism and fluidity,” Jenkins wrote. “He’s a succesful open shot maker from behind the arc with clear mechanics and is springy across the rim.”
That skill to make performs on the skin stands in distinction to his father, who was extra of a low-post menace throughout his enjoying days.
The elder O’Neal performed within the NBA for 18 seasons after he was the No. 17 total decide within the 1996 NBA draft. He suited up for the Portland Path Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Warmth, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.
O’Neal was at his finest throughout a six-year interval with the Pacers when he gained the 2001-02 Most Improved Participant of the 12 months and was a three-time All-NBA choice. He additionally made six straight All-Star Video games from 2002 by way of 2007.
Even the chance his son might grow to be that kind of participant makes this an essential recruiting choice for SMU.
The Mustangs are getting into a brand new period after hiring former USC head coach Andy Enfield to guide their program throughout its first season within the ACC.
Whereas it might be a troublesome transition at first for a program that was within the American Athletic Convention and hasn’t been within the Massive Dance since 2017, Enfield has a historical past of success with six NCAA match appearances and can look to rapidly flip issues round by setting a basis with wins on the recruiting path.
Touchdown O’Neal actually qualifies as a serious win.
