Report: Former four-star prospect enters transfer portal after tumultuous LSU season

Shareef O’Neal, son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, has decided to enter the transfer portal after two season at LSU, On3’s Matt Zenitz has confirmed. The decision comes just weeks after the abrupt firing of head coach and O’Neal’s making recruiter, Will Wade.

The junior Los Angeles-native averaged 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds during his junior season in Baton Rouge. He originally committed to play basketball at UCLA out of high school, but never saw much production. He was used more of the same under Wade, averaging just over 10 minutes of playing time per game throughout his entire collegiate career.

The 6-foot-9 forward was recruited by Arizona, USC and Georgetown. He former four-star recruit was the No. 42 player in the class of 2018, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 10 power forward in the nation and ranked fourth in the state of California before his time at UCLA and LSU.

Matt McMahon addresses importance of keeping LSU roster intact

LSU hired former Murray State head coach Matt McMahon to the same position after choosing to part ways with Will Wade amid an NCAA investigation. Despite the sanctions the program faces, there is confidence that LSU can build a winning roster immediately in Baton Rouge.

During his introductory press conference, Matt McMahon addressed the importance of keeping some of LSU’s most talented players from 2021 on the roster moving forward as he also looks to bring in new pieces through recruitment and the transfer portal.

“It’s top priority,” said McMahon. “Hit the ground running from the second I got the job, so I think that’s very important. It’s all about getting the right people on the bus. And we’re going to work to establish those relationships, I don’t expect someone to walk in and shake my hand in 30 seconds and have trust established. But we’re going to work to do that.”