4-Star SF Jermaine O’Neal Jr. Commits to SMU; Son of Former NBA All-Star

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 18, 2024

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The SMU Mustangs added a familiar name for basketball fans to their 2025 recruiting class Wednesday.

Jermaine O’Neal Jr., who is the son of former NBA player Jermaine O’Neal, chose SMU over Vanderbilt, per 247Sports.

The 6’5″ swingman is a 4-star prospect and the No. 122 overall player, No. 28 small forward and No. 10 prospect from the state of Texas in the 2025 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports noted his decision came down to SMU and Vanderbilt after he completed his official visits to the two schools.

“O’Neal Jr. is an athletic wing with an undeniable pedigree and great long term tools on both ends of the floor when factoring in his athleticism and fluidity,” Jenkins wrote. “He is a capable open shot maker from behind the arc with clean mechanics and is springy around the rim.”

That ability to make plays on the outside stands in contrast to his father, who was more of a low-post threat during his playing days.

The elder O’Neal played in the NBA for 18 seasons after he was the No. 17 overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.

O’Neal was at his best during a six-year period with the Pacers when he won the 2001-02 Most Improved Player of the Year and was a three-time All-NBA selection. He also made six straight All-Star Games from 2002 through 2007.

Even the possibility his son could develop into that type of player makes this an important recruiting decision for SMU.

The Mustangs are entering a new era after hiring former USC head coach Andy Enfield to lead their program during its first season in the ACC.

While it may be a difficult transition at first for a program that was in the American Athletic Conference and hasn’t been in the Big Dance since 2017, Enfield has a history of success with six NCAA tournament appearances and will look to quickly turn things around by setting a foundation with wins on the recruiting trail.

Landing O’Neal certainly qualifies as a major win.