Shaquille O'Neal's Son Shareef Signs With NBA Team!

Just days after Shaquille O'Neal talked about how he wishes he could have played in the league with one of his sons, it's being reported that Shareef O'Neal, 24, has been signed to an NBA team!

While Shaq is no longer playing in the league, he will now get to witness his son on the court as a member of the Sacramento Kings.

Shareef's mom, Shaunie Henderson, took to Instagram to share the exciting news and explain how proud she is of her son for never giving up.

On Sunday morning, Henderson, ex-wife to Shaquille and mom of Shareef, took to Instagram to share the exciting news about her son's new chapter in life as an NBA player.

"I'm so proud of you @shareefoneal I can't even talk about this without crying. I know this was always your goal and the odds you beat to finally see it happen is beyond amazing," she wrote in the caption of her Instagram carousel of photos and videos.

"I prayed for this day. I prayed that you would never give up, that you wouldn’t be discouraged. I know you had some doubtful days but you consistently pushed through. This is so much bigger than basketball."

Her caption went on to call her son "one of the strongest, bravest, and most determined people" she's known, and to remind him that "there is nothing you cannot do." The proud mom also vows to be Shareef's "biggest, loudest fan/supporter/cheerleader/prayer warrior." She concluded her caption with a simple yet powerful, "Let's go Kings!"

Before signing with the Kings, Shareef played for NBA G League Ignite, based out of Las Vegas, for the 2022-23 season.

According to NBA G League, "Launched in April 2020, G League Ignite has provided a first-of-its-kind development pathway for NBA Draft prospects to hone their skills, learn the professional game and receive a salary and endorsement income ahead of their NBA Draft eligibility.  In Ignite’s first three seasons, the team developed 10 players who were selected in the NBA Draft, including four players taken in the top 10 of their classes."

Ignite's final season concluded earlier this year.

Signing with the Kings is a big break for Shareef, and although he was waived by the team, he will play for the G League Stockton Kings. There is a chance Shareef will suit up to play with the NBA team during the season, and if he impresses the Sacramento Kings while playing with the Stockton Kings, there could be a chance at a two-way contract.

In 2018, Shareef had the scare of his life when he required heart surgery. The then 18-year-old was diagnosed with a right anomalous coronary artery, a congenital heart condition that could have killed him if not found and treated immediately. After surgery, Shareef had to learn to walk again.

Shareef shared his experience on Instagram with a post one year after surgery.

"One year has passed since my heart surgery...a year ago today I was scared for my life...a year ago today I was learning to walk again. A year ago today I was turned into a new kid. A year ago today my life changed," he wrote. "I thought I was going through hell while dealing with this process but then I realized it was a blessing that it was found."

A few days prior to Shareef getting signed by the Kings, Shaquille talked about the one thing he's "professionally jealous" of LeBron James for.

During a recent episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaquille O'Neal," the topic came up about LeBron getting the opportunity to play in the league with his son, Bronny.

"I strive off professional jealousy. I'm jealous a little bit," he revealed. "My son was in that position. Life is all about titles. I would have loved to have that title first."

After sharing why he's "jealous," he explained that he's happy for the father and son duo.

"So now that we got that out of the way. I'm happy for Bron. He was always at the crib playing with my boys. He's like a nephew to me," he said. "I'm happy for him, but you know, on a professional jealousy side, I wish that was me and Shareef or me and Shaqir, but I'm happy for Bronny and I'm happy for LeBron and I wish them well."

Shaquille talked about LeBron and Bronny playing together for the LA Lakers, and said, "it's gonna be about the antics afterwards," referring to the father and son's celebrations. Shaq said the "celebration afterwards is gonna have to be the key."

Fans agreed that the celebration should be notable.

"Facts the celebration will be what history will remember," one person wrote in the comments. Another joked, "Catch lob then forehead kiss is iconic."

Although Shaq and Shareef won't be playing in the league at the same time, one thing's for sure - Shareef will have the biggest supporter in not only his mom, but also his dad.