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The SMU Mustangs added a well-recognized 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 all the way down to SMU and Vanderbilt after he accomplished his official visits to the 2 faculties.
“O’Neal Jr. is an athletic wing with an plain 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 potential to make performs on the surface stands in distinction to his father, who was extra of a low-post risk throughout his taking part in 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 received 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 means of 2007.
Even the likelihood his son may become that kind of participant makes this an vital recruiting choice for SMU.
The Mustangs are coming into a brand new period after hiring former USC head coach Andy Enfield to steer 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 shortly flip issues round by setting a basis with wins on the recruiting path.
Touchdown O’Neal actually qualifies as a serious win.