UCLA freshman Shareef O’Neal will sit out the entire 2018-19 season because of a heart condition that will require surgery.
O’Neal, the son of former Lakers great and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, said doctors discovered the condition after he “felt funny” during summer practices. The 6-foot-10 power forward wore a heart monitor attached to a button that he pressed whenever he felt unwell. He received the diagnosis a few weeks after pressing the button during a practice.
“A lot of people are asking if it’s career-ending,” said O’Neal, who led Santa Monica Crossroads High to a state championship.