Jermaine O'Neal's NBA career was a testament to his talent and determination, but it's fascinating to consider what might have been if he had chosen to play college basketball at Kentucky. The story of his near-miss with the Wildcats is a captivating one, filled with intriguing details and a unique perspective on the recruitment process.
O'Neal, a trailblazer in his own right, was a top prospect who decided to skip college and go straight to the NBA. He joined a select group of players who chose this path, including JR Smith, Monta Ellis, and Al Harrington, who together host a podcast called 'Str8 to Da League'. O'Neal's decision to join them was a significant moment, as he revealed a pivotal moment in his recruitment journey.
Rick Pitino, the legendary coach at Kentucky, played a crucial role in O'Neal's near-commitment. Pitino's approach was bold and straightforward, yet incredibly effective. He sat in O'Neal's living room, four times, and shared a profound insight: 'We're going to be good with you, or we're going to be good without you. Would love to have you, but you should go pro.' This quote encapsulates Pitino's honest and direct style, which, in O'Neal's eyes, made perfect sense.
The idea of O'Neal joining Kentucky was compelling, especially with the team's recent success, including a National Championship win. The prospect of playing alongside Ron Mercer and Derek Anderson, and potentially contributing to another championship run, was enticing. However, O'Neal's decision to go pro was a brave one, and it ultimately led to a successful NBA career.
O'Neal's NBA journey was remarkable, with an 18-year career that included an average of 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and earned over $167 million in career earnings. His son, Jermaine O'Neal Jr., plays basketball for SMU, and his daughter, Asjia O'Neal, was a star volleyball player for Texas.
The near-miss with Kentucky adds an intriguing layer to O'Neal's story, showcasing the power of recruitment and the impact of a coach's honesty. It's a reminder that sometimes, the path less traveled can lead to incredible success.
