Bear Down Wildcats

Committed at 1:30 in the morning?

I'm sure Romar was a big help. Great news.

UAEebs86 wrote:Committed at 1:30 in the morning?

Midnight Lute, meet Early Morning Miller.

Great get!

Rock the Casbah, Shareef.

Is that the third power forward we've pulled from that school? Ira Lee, Isaiah Fox.

UAEebs86 wrote:Committed at 1:30 in the morning?

Nice add. Hopefully Shareef is a multi-year stretch 4 in the Brandon Ashley mold. I think he has a lot of those same tools as Ashley.

Well good morning. We're gonna have a lot of schollies to hand out in 18, this one still surprises me

Yup. I see 7 likely if both alkins and Trier leave.

Ayton is 100%
Talbot is 100% if we don't use 13 this year besides him
3 seniors
I'd say trier is more than likely and alkins is 50/50 if u are being generous. Going to be a big big class.

Arizona lands Class of 2018 star Shareef O'Neal, son of Shaquille O’Neal
The 6-9 forward is ranked 31st in the Class of 2018 by 247Sports

by Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS 2h ago • 1 min read

http://www.cbssports.com/college-basket ... lle-oneal/" target="_blank

Irish27 wrote:I'm sure Romar was a big help. Great news.

UW wasnt recruiting him according to sources but the timing is interesting

I wonder if he's done growing. Massive hands and still growing into his body. He's got a great outside shot

Jefe wrote:

Irish27 wrote:I'm sure Romar was a big help. Great news.

UW wasnt recruiting him according to sources but the timing is interesting

I wonder if he's done growing. Massive hands and still growing into his body. He's got a great outside shot

I mean, think about the genes...

http://www.gq.com/story/shaq-son-birthd ... amborghini" target="_blank

Shaq’s Son Had the Rager Birthday Party You've Always Dreamed Of

Super interesting & exciting.

I typed out a lot more but deleted and want to leave it at that.

Interested in how the roster is going to shape up. I've imagined Akot being more Rondae like than Bash, is Shareef expected to continue growing into a PF? (as similar heights but various levels of athleticism/polish)

Well, won't be OAD because of financial hardship.

prh wrote:Interested in how the roster is going to shape up. I've imagined Akot being more Rondae like than Bash, is Shareef expected to continue growing into a PF? (as similar heights but various levels of athleticism/polish)

Long and slim now. Moves well. Not a power forward at this point, but he's only a junior.

I wonder how he compares to teammate Ira Lee.

gumby wrote:

prh wrote:Interested in how the roster is going to shape up. I've imagined Akot being more Rondae like than Bash, is Shareef expected to continue growing into a PF? (as similar heights but various levels of athleticism/polish)

Long and slim now. Moves well. Not a power forward at this point, but he's only a junior.

I wonder how he compares to teammate Ira Lee.

He's a better prospect than Lee. The top 40 ranking is warranted. Plus I know his pops values education so I def see him here for 2 years.

He's a lot like a smoother Bash actually. Akot is like Rondae. Randolph / alkins as our NJ .... get u a top pg to be TJ - lite and find a C Zeus and we have our 2013-14 team again

PennZona20 wrote:

gumby wrote:

prh wrote:Interested in how the roster is going to shape up. I've imagined Akot being more Rondae like than Bash, is Shareef expected to continue growing into a PF? (as similar heights but various levels of athleticism/polish)

Long and slim now. Moves well. Not a power forward at this point, but he's only a junior.

I wonder how he compares to teammate Ira Lee.

He's a better prospect than Lee. The top 40 ranking is warranted. Plus I know his pops values education so I def see him here for 2 years.

He's a lot like a smoother Bash actually. Akot is like Rondae. Randolph / alkins as our NJ .... get u a top pg to be TJ - lite and find a C Zeus and we have our 2013-14 team again

He'll easily be a PF. He's still a HS junior. Give him another year and he's really close to Ashley.

More athletic than Ashley, no?

As an aside, this brings a lot of flash to the program that can help recruiting against other "flashier" programs aka Kentucky. Shaq was a three year guy at LSU, and his big jump was between freshman and soph year, and he was the AP player of the year as a sophomore. He still came back and played his Jr year, and he finished his degree a few years later. I believe he has a graduate degree now as well.

Look, Shareef isn't going to be a 7 footer, but he has athleticism that is developing like his his dad's did, and he absolutely comes from the right family and upbringing. Shaq has always been a very smart and grounded guy to go along with his skill and outrageous personality. This is a really good get and fit for Miller.

Also, fuck you Bill Murray. We've got Shaq.

splitsecond wrote:As an aside, this brings a lot of flash to the program that can help recruiting against other "flashier" programs aka Kentucky. Shaq was a three year guy at LSU, and his big jump was between freshman and soph year, and he was the AP player of the year as a sophomore. He still came back and played his Jr year, and he finished his degree a few years later. I believe he has a graduate degree now as well.

Look, Shareef isn't going to be a 7 footer, but he has athleticism that is developing like his his dad's did, and he absolutely comes from the right family and upbringing. Shaq has always been a very smart and grounded guy to go along with his skill and outrageous personality. This is a really good get and fit for Miller.

Also, fuck you Bill Murray. We've got Shaq.

The name recognition is definitely more of a pr benefit than you typically get in the #31 player in the nation. Having Shaq at games would be a big deal in raising our profile into that top echelon in the eyes of a casual fan.

Spaceman Spiff wrote:

splitsecond wrote:As an aside, this brings a lot of flash to the program that can help recruiting against other "flashier" programs aka Kentucky. Shaq was a three year guy at LSU, and his big jump was between freshman and soph year, and he was the AP player of the year as a sophomore. He still came back and played his Jr year, and he finished his degree a few years later. I believe he has a graduate degree now as well.

Look, Shareef isn't going to be a 7 footer, but he has athleticism that is developing like his his dad's did, and he absolutely comes from the right family and upbringing. Shaq has always been a very smart and grounded guy to go along with his skill and outrageous personality. This is a really good get and fit for Miller.

Also, fuck you Bill Murray. We've got Shaq.

The name recognition is definitely more of a pr benefit than you typically get in the #31 player in the nation. Having Shaq at games would be a big deal in raising our profile into that top echelon in the eyes of a casual fan.

Okay, maybe I don't want to become a casual fan after all, because that's about the stupidest thing anyone could ever think.

Spaceman Spiff wrote:[The name recognition is definitely more of a pr benefit than you typically get in the #31 player in the nation. Having Shaq at games would be a big deal in raising our profile into that top echelon in the eyes of a casual fan.

Agreed. Especially if Shareef plays well.

You see Xavier getting tons of press because of Bill Murray or Northwestern because of JLD. Shaq courtside rooting on a successful with the best uniform colors in the nation - that's money in the bank.

What are the odds he ever makes it on campus?

UAEebs86 wrote:

That's an awesome 3 minute long commercial for our program.

ASUHATER! wrote:What are the odds he ever makes it on campus?

Shareef O’Neal explains why he committed to the Wildcats

He was impressed by UA’s campus and how the team has a family vibe
by Ryan Kelapire@RKelapire Apr 20, 2017, 12:06am PDT

The Arizona Wildcats landed a high-profile recruit in Shareef O’Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, on Wednesday morning and later in the day he explained on TNT’s postgame coverage of the NBA Playoffs why he chose the Wildcats.

“Arizona, I love the school, the staff treats me like family,” Shareef told the TNT panel which included Shaq, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. “I went on a visit with my dad and … I loved it once I got there. The campus is beautiful and the program was awesome.”

Arizona’s style of play piqued O’Neal’s interest, too.

“The good thing about it was how the bigs get to play like guards and I think that’s a big part of my game today,” said Shareef, a 6-foot-9 forward. “... So I feel like I fit in there really well.”

There is still a long way to go before O’Neal’s career with Arizona begins, but if/when it does, Shaq will be a regular visitor at McKale Center.

http://www.azdesertswarm.com/recruiting ... ng-tnt-nba" target="_blank

ASUHATER! wrote:What are the odds he ever makes it on campus?

You're nothing if not consistent.

ASUHATER! wrote:What are the odds he ever makes it on campus?

Que?

Spaceman Spiff wrote:

splitsecond wrote:As an aside, this brings a lot of flash to the program that can help recruiting against other "flashier" programs aka Kentucky. Shaq was a three year guy at LSU, and his big jump was between freshman and soph year, and he was the AP player of the year as a sophomore. He still came back and played his Jr year, and he finished his degree a few years later. I believe he has a graduate degree now as well.

Look, Shareef isn't going to be a 7 footer, but he has athleticism that is developing like his his dad's did, and he absolutely comes from the right family and upbringing. Shaq has always been a very smart and grounded guy to go along with his skill and outrageous personality. This is a really good get and fit for Miller.

Also, fuck you Bill Murray. We've got Shaq.

The name recognition is definitely more of a pr benefit than you typically get in the #31 player in the nation. Having Shaq at games would be a big deal in raising our profile into that top echelon in the eyes of a casual fan.

Shaq's fairly well known, though he's no LaVar Ball. Just ask LaVar Ball.

ASUHATER! wrote:What are the odds he ever makes it on campus?

As opposed to dying?

Shareef picked up on "family vibe." Must not be on Twitter, where these guys hate each other!!!!

I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Shaq is one of the most vociferous proponents of the need of future NBA players to have the college experience. Not just for basketball but also for preparing for life. And that's this kid's own father. If you think that's just something Shaq says to feel better about himself and to lie about what college meant to him, then think of the kid's grandfather on the question of college and NBA readiness. So while anything could happen, that's the case with any recruit who commits to any program, but this one seems notably lower risk.

ASUHATER! wrote:I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Such a weird take and post. Do you need a hug? This isn't football recruiting, relax.

ChooChooCat wrote:

ASUHATER! wrote:I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Such a weird take and post. Do you need a hug? This isn't football recruiting, relax.

It's not a weird take at all. It's the simple truth if college recruiting in 2017.

ASUHATER! wrote:I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Crossroads isn't a fly by night prep school. His eligibilty is solid. Shaq (as other have noted) has always been pretty vocal about pushing college as necessary preparation.

People can always jump to other schools. There's no real way to account for that so far ahead.

ASUHATER! wrote:

ChooChooCat wrote:

ASUHATER! wrote:I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Such a weird take and post. Do you need a hug? This isn't football recruiting, relax.

It's not a weird take at all. It's the simple truth if college recruiting in 2017.

It is weird & you quoted a post directly AFTER the post that explains why. Which is extra weird. I typed a bunch of things out last night about how coachable he may be because he's so privileged but deleted them...and I already regret typing that because who knows. But LH explained really simply and well that him showing up on campus is fairly close to the least of concerns.

splitsecond wrote:As an aside, this brings a lot of flash to the program that can help recruiting against other "flashier" programs aka Kentucky. Shaq was a three year guy at LSU, and his big jump was between freshman and soph year, and he was the AP player of the year as a sophomore. He still came back and played his Jr year, and he finished his degree a few years later. I believe he has a graduate degree now as well.

Look, Shareef isn't going to be a 7 footer, but he has athleticism that is developing like his his dad's did, and he absolutely comes from the right family and upbringing. Shaq has always been a very smart and grounded guy to go along with his skill and outrageous personality. This is a really good get and fit for Miller.

Also, fuck you Bill Murray. We've got Shaq.

He has his Doctorate

This is a GREAT PICKUP. Not including the fringe benefits of shaqs kid exposure.

I think he's fairly underrated and a worker. I think his ranking should be somewhere in the mid-20s.

He's probably still growing but as of now he's a bit of a tweener stretch 4 like Bash if he doesn't grow 2 more inches. I think it's safe to say he will be here 2+ years. My guess is 3, but it's too early to project but kids in the 20-30 range that are likely not OAD are more valuable than their ranking.

Great pickup.

My question is, how does O'Neals commitment affect Bagley's decision? He is the prize in 2018. Bagley isn't being recruited to play the 5. Makes me wonder if Bagley has tipped his hand to our staff.

Azcats94 wrote:My question is, how does O'Neals commitment affect Bagley's decision? He is the prize in 2018. Bagley isn't being recruited to play the 5. Makes me wonder if Bagley has tipped his hand to our staff.

There are several opposing thoughts on this:

1. Some think UCLA leads, but it's not something that can't be overcome.
2. Some think Arizona leads, but, again, it's nothing incredible.
3. Most think Bagley is mostly open to most of his favored school. So, who knows...
4. A few still tell me Bagley and Overseas is a real possibility.


Arizona took Barcello despite rumblings Bagley and he didn't get along. Arizona has now taken a 4/5-star PF at the same position as Bagley in the same class.

Honestly, we can read into it way too far. Maybe Sean is no longer allowing recruits to direct whom he takes. He passed on Nigel Williams Goss because players hated him. Passed on Tyler Dorsey because players hated him.

Not saying it would have happened, but imagine that as a starting backcourt?

Sean Miller needs to do what's best for his program in real time, not hypothetical or hindsight. Barcello is a 3/4-year type who can dribble and shoot with the best of them. And O'Neal is a high upside athlete who can shoot, and make impact off the bench immediately and focus on getting stronger for eventual focal point status.

Bagley is a play immediately, play a lot, give the ball, get out the way player who is definitely a one and done, and who may be a never-school prospect.

They all can play together. I doubt they'd even be on the floor at the same time much.

First off, Bagley can easily play the 3 in the NBA. He's a lot like Porter but better. I can definitely see us going small w him and Shareef on floor too (although it still wouldnt be THAT small). Even if we get a guy like Bol or Chance is actually the starting C as a senior I think a bagley, shareef, chance/bol frontcourt can work for stretches.

I doubt this affects his decision but you never know. Plus as JMarks said ..... bird in the hand is worth more than 2 in the bush. We have no clue if Marvin is even going to college.

ASUHATER! wrote:

ChooChooCat wrote:

ASUHATER! wrote:I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Such a weird take and post. Do you need a hug? This isn't football recruiting, relax.

It's not a weird take at all. It's the simple truth if college recruiting in 2017.

No it's not. There's a very select few basketball recruits where your question would've been a valid concern. Keyword few. Shareef O'Neal is not one of them. You're just being a schmuck for the sake of it.

Ebi, Jennings, Withey, Leaf, Ferguson just off the top of my head. I wouldn't say 'hater's concerns are invalid. Kids change their minds. All. The. Time.

ChooChooCat wrote:

ASUHATER! wrote:

ChooChooCat wrote:

ASUHATER! wrote:I mean I'm not saying he won't end up on campus. But who knows with kids these days. Ferguson left a hole in my heart. Along with all the other kids that change their mind well after their commitment.

Such a weird take and post. Do you need a hug? This isn't football recruiting, relax.

It's not a weird take at all. It's the simple truth if college recruiting in 2017.

No it's not. There's a very select few basketball recruits where your question would've been a valid concern. Keyword few. Shareef O'Neal is not one of them. You're just being a schmuck for the sake of it.

It is. It's the simple truth if college recruiting. Period.

Puerco wrote:Ebi, Jennings, Withey, Leaf, Ferguson just off the top of my head. I wouldn't say 'hater's concerns are invalid. Kids change their minds. All. The. Time.

Well he can't go straight to the league like Ebi, haven't heard of qualifying issues like Ferg and Jennings, Sean isn't retiring like Lute so can't bolt like Withey, so unless we have a falling out w/ his AAU team (Nike) like TJ (Adidas) I think we'll be fine.

Main Event wrote:

Puerco wrote:Ebi, Jennings, Withey, Leaf, Ferguson just off the top of my head. I wouldn't say 'hater's concerns are invalid. Kids change their minds. All. The. Time.

Well he can't go straight to the league like Ebi, haven't heard of qualifying issues like Ferg and Jennings, Sean isn't retiring like Lute so can't bolt like Withey, so unless we have a falling out w/ his AAU team (Nike) like TJ (Adidas) I think we'll be fine.

Plus, we essentially upgraded from Leaf to Lauri. That's 5 guys in 15 years, too.

Ferguson and Jennings were all academics and that is a complete non-issue with Shareef. I honestly don't blame Withey much with the coaching situation we had going on at the time.

I mean, yeah, it's always a possibility. There are no particularly concerning factors apparent with Shareef though.

Spaceman Spiff wrote:

Main Event wrote:

Puerco wrote:Ebi, Jennings, Withey, Leaf, Ferguson just off the top of my head. I wouldn't say 'hater's concerns are invalid. Kids change their minds. All. The. Time.

Well he can't go straight to the league like Ebi, haven't heard of qualifying issues like Ferg and Jennings, Sean isn't retiring like Lute so can't bolt like Withey, so unless we have a falling out w/ his AAU team (Nike) like TJ (Adidas) I think we'll be fine.

Plus, we essentially upgraded from Leaf to Lauri. That's 5 guys in 15 years, too.

Ferguson and Jennings were all academics and that is a complete non-issue with Shareef. I honestly don't blame Withey much with the coaching situation we had going on at the time.

I mean, yeah, it's always a possibility. There are no particularly concerning factors apparent with Shareef though.

And how would anyone know for sure at this point anyway? Was Hater actually trying to find out a probability percentage or just being a wet blanket? My money is on the latter.

PennZona20 wrote:First off, Bagley can easily play the 3 in the NBA. He's a lot like Porter but better. I can definitely see us going small w him and Shareef on floor too (although it still wouldnt be THAT small). Even if we get a guy like Bol or Chance is actually the starting C as a senior I think a bagley, shareef, chance/bol frontcourt can work for stretches.

I doubt this affects his decision but you never know. Plus as JMarks said ..... bird in the hand is worth more than 2 in the bush. We have no clue if Marvin is even going to college.

OTOH, we might have one of these players. I think the days of projecting the current year -- hell, the current week -- are gone. Constant moving parts. Can't recruit based on what you think other guys will do. Can't accept offers based on what other guys will do.

What a time to be a coach. A player. A fan.

I think the Alex/Marvin friction is highly overstated.

Not sure the dads see eye to eye, but I think that may be associated with the kids incorrectly

IndianaZonaFan wrote:

splitsecond wrote:As an aside, this brings a lot of flash to the program that can help recruiting against other "flashier" programs aka Kentucky. Shaq was a three year guy at LSU, and his big jump was between freshman and soph year, and he was the AP player of the year as a sophomore. He still came back and played his Jr year, and he finished his degree a few years later. I believe he has a graduate degree now as well.

Look, Shareef isn't going to be a 7 footer, but he has athleticism that is developing like his his dad's did, and he absolutely comes from the right family and upbringing. Shaq has always been a very smart and grounded guy to go along with his skill and outrageous personality. This is a really good get and fit for Miller.

Also, fuck you Bill Murray. We've got Shaq.

He has his Doctorate

My dream is we hire Luke Murray next year and have BOTH!