Shareef O’Neal Looking Forward to Basketball Return After Successful Heart Surgery

*Shareef O’Neal took to Twitter on December 13 to inform fans that he “made it” through a heart successful surgery and is now on the road to recovery.

“I made it, Thank you for all the love and support! I really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, that’s what helped me through this surgery. I’m on the road to recovery, and I’ll be back soon…better than ever,” read a message on his official Twitter profile. His words, typed by Mimi O’Neal.

O’Neal, the son of Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, was diagnosed with a heart condition in September during a routine check-up. He will reportedly miss his entire freshman season at UCLA, but he’s already talking about his return to the court.

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I made it,Thank you for all the love and support! I really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers, that’s what helped me through this surgery. I’m on the road to recovery, and I’ll be back soon…better than ever.
His Words, typed by Mimi oneal ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yPu2js7M2f

— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) December 14, 2018

O’Neal’s mother Shaunie posted some photos and a heartfelt message about her baby boy on her Instagram prior to his surgery:

“This morning was by far my toughest moment being a Mom. If only I could take his place today. Could I at least go with him in that operating room and hold his hand. Separating from him as he was wheeled off to surgery was heartbreaking. THATS MY BABY! I don’t care how old, how big, how grown my kids get I still want to protect them. I had no control over any of this. But there is a God, I trust and believe He is in there with my baby right now and has complete control.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

This morning was by far my toughest moment being a Mom. If only I could take his place today. Could I at least go with him in that operating room and hold his hand. Separating from him as he was wheeled off to surgery was heartbreaking. THATS MY BABY! I don’t care how old, how big, how grown my kids get I still want to protect them. I had no control over any of this. But there is a God, I trust and believe He is in there with my baby right now and has complete control. #prayforreef ??❤️ @shareefoneal #mybaby

A post shared by Shaunie O’Neal (@shaunieoneal5) on Dec 13, 2018 at 9:02am PST

As reported by SB Nation, surgery was required to fix an “electrical problem” in Shareef’s heart.

O’Neal, a four-star recruit and 6’9 power forward, was one of the top high school basketball players in the country this year and one of five top-100 recruits that committed to the UCLA Bruins.

TMZ recently reported that O’Neal still plans to attend his classes and he can’t wait to return t the sport. He posted the following on Twitter in November:

See you next year ? pic.twitter.com/pzdWe6cbIq

— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) November 5, 2018