UCLA forward Shareef O’Neal sits on the bench during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Southern California Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Los Angeles.
UCLA forward Shareef O’Neal sits on the bench during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Southern California on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Los Angeles. Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner

Shareef O’Neal — the son of Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal — announced a decision to leave the University of California Los Angeles’ basketball program, using a message from his parents to do so.

What happened: O’Neal shared a statement on Twitter that announced his choice to leave UCLA.

  • O’Neal: “My parents have always taught me that transparency is the best form of communication. It is in this spirit I announced today my departure from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).”
  • O’Neal: “A part of my heart will always be at UCLA figuratively and literally. I’m looking forward to the next chapter, wherever that may be.”

What they’re saying: UCLA Bruins coach Mick Cronin supported the move, USA Today reports.

  • Cronin: “After meeting with Shareef on Tuesday, he told me that he plans to transfer. We fully support his decision and are wishing him all the best.” 
View Comments

A lost season: O’Neal is one member of the 2018 recruiting class of UCLA. But he lost an entire freshman season because he was diagnosed with a heart problem, CBS Sports reports. He went under heart surgery to repair the damage. He was given the OK to return to the court during the spring.

  • O’Neal committed to Arizona before switching to UCLA. Other schools interested in him included Baylor, LSU, Cal, USC, Kansas State and Georgetown, according to CBS Sports.
Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.