Shaquille O’Neal‘s 22-year-old son, Shareef O’Neal, has officially signed with the NBA’s minor league organization: the NBA G League.

Shareef will specifically play for the NBA G League Ignite, described as “a first-of-its-kind team dedicated to developing top young prospects in preparation for the NBA Draft,” according to its website.

It’s also worth noting that, “[w]hile Ignite is not a traditional NBA G League team, competition includes games against NBA G League opponents and exhibitions against international teams.”

Shareef spoke on the positive news on Twitter, writing, “VEGAS LETS DO IT!! Thank you ignite!”

Shaq hasn’t publicly spoken on Shareef’s new deal, though he did issue a past comment on the 22-year-old’s decision to recently enter the NBA draft and join the Los Angeles Lakers for a pre-draft workout, as Blavity previously reported.

“We kind of bump heads about this process,” Shareef said of his father during a press conference. “He wanted me to stay in school. I wanted to better myself through this.”

“He didn’t do any pre-draft workouts; he just got straight on the [Orlando Magic], so it’s a different grind,” Shareef added of his father. “So, he didn’t want me to do this, and I know he probably doesn’t want me saying this, but sorry. We’re both grown. We’ll get past it.”

Despite Shaq’s stance on the subject, Shareef ultimately got to play in the 2022 NBA Summer League, and Byron Scott — the Lakers’ former head coach — noted that the 22-year-old could eventually make it to the NBA if he sharpens his skill more.

“I think he looked a little bit out of place [at the Summer League],” Scott said, according to TMZ. “He wasn’t ready. I think he still has a little ways to go. I think the talent is there. Obviously, the athleticism is there.”

Shoutout to Shareef O’Neal for securing this major career move, and hopefully he’s able to work his way into professional league basketball in the future.

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