Shaunie O’Neal’s Son Shareef Was Snubbed For a Major Event, But LeBron James Came Through With Some Clutch Support
LeBron James just sent an inspirational message to Shareef O'Neal after the high school basketball star was left off the McDonald's All-American team roster.
The McDonald's all-star game features the top high school basketball players from across the country. NBA legends like LeBron and Kobe Bryant have all played in the high profile game. Seeing as how Shareef is widely considered one of the top players in the country, the fact that he wasn't selected seems pretty wild...even to players in the NBA.
LeBron, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player back in 2003, spoke out on behalf of his "nephew." Although he's pretty bummed to see his little homie snubbed from such an important event, he wants him to keep at it.
King James posted this message for Shareef on Instagram.
"Nephew listen, Even though we all know you should have made that McDonalds game use it as motivation to prove not to those who didn’t vote you in, not to those who is actually in the game but more importantly to yourself that u belong! Keep grinding, studying and working daily! The light is always brighter at the end of the tunnel."
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Shareef sent some love back to LeBron, thanking him for the kind words and for "treating him like family."
Words of encouragement also came from Shareef's dad, Shaquille O'Neal, who was a McDonald's All-American in 1989.
Retired player Matt Barnes took it a step further by going on a nugget strike. Yeah, we can't make this up.
Shareef, who just turned 18 a couple of days ago has pledged to play college basketball for Arizona after graduating. This minor setback will definitely be extra motivation for the young basketball star. Just a little fact to remember, Steph Curry wasn't selected to the McDonald's All-American team either. Look at him now.
If you didn't know how serious Shareef takes his craft take a look at this Shaunie's Home Court clip where he invites his personal trainer over for an intense practice session before a big game.