O'Neal reveals Kentucky was his top college choice
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 10:44 AM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Jermaine O'Neal disclosed on the Str8 to Da League podcast that the University of Kentucky was his preferred choice coming out of high school. He mentioned that Rick Pitino actively recruited him with several in-home visits, noting his family's admiration for Pitino's honesty. O'Neal ultimately chose to enter the NBA Draft instead of attending college. This revelation highlights the intense recruitment process that shaped his early career decisions.
- •Jermaine O'Neal shared his recruitment experience.
- •Rick Pitino made multiple in-home visits.
- •O'Neal's mother had a favorable opinion of Pitino.
- •O'Neal opted for the NBA Draft over college.
- •His decision was influenced by Pitino's honesty.
- 10:44 AMYahoo Sports — O'Neal shared that Kentucky was his top choice coming …
"O'Neal shared that Kentucky was his top choice coming …
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Jul 13, 2026, 11:31 AMNBA summer league: First impressions of rookies an...- NBA•Jul 13, 2026, 11:18 AMBoiler Alert: NBA Summer League and Caden Pierce
- NBA•Jul 13, 2026, 11:07 AMThree former Vols start in Spurs-Bucks NBA Summer League game
- NBA•Jul 13, 2026, 11:05 AM‘Some of the Moves Seem Daunting’ — Hornets HC Charles Lee Breaks Silence on Charlotte’s Polarizing Offseason, Surprise LaMelo Ball Trade
- NBA•Jul 13, 2026, 11:02 AMSixers coach Nick Nurse makes rotation statement on Labaron Philon Jr.
- NBA•Jul 13, 2026, 11:00 AMIsaiah Joe’s Final Goodbye To Oklahoma Is Raising Money For Oklahoma Children’s Hospital
