LSU basketball coach Will Wade breathed a sigh of relief last week when forward Shareef O’Neal was granted immediate eligibility for 2020-21.
O’Neal, a 6-foot-10 forward, transferred from UCLA last winter and has three years of eligibility remaining with the Tigers.
On Wednesday, LSU’s official Twitter account revealed what uniform number O’Neal would wear for the Tigers as the team tipped off the new season on Thanksgiving Day.
O’Neal will wear the No. 32.
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His father, LSU legend Shaquille O’Neal, revealed why he chose the number on social media.
The 8+24 reference is to honor the late, great Kobe Bryant, who wore both numbers during his legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers. O’Neal has been outspoken about his strong relationship with Bryant since his tragic passing in January.
Shaquille O’Neal also wore the No. 32 jersey during his first four NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic.
O’Neal is expected to play a big role for LSU in 2020-21.
And his name is Shareef O’Neal 👏 https://t.co/vuMrPqUqKQ pic.twitter.com/IQhW2ZQ6KH
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) November 25, 2020
Shareef O’Neal honored his dad and Kobe with his jersey number this season at LSU 💜
(via @SSJreef) pic.twitter.com/NRfuceSarR
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) November 25, 2020
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