Shareef O'Neal, the son of Shaquille O'Neal and a top-30 prospect in the 2018 class, announced he is decommitting from Arizona.
O'Neal originally committed to the Wildcats in April.
At this time I'm am opening up my recruitment due to the current events with the UofA Bball team.I would like to thank all the coaches for recruiting me. At the time my family and I think it's in my best interest to look at other options to assure my play in the NCAA next year.
— Shareef O'Neal (@SSJreef) February 24, 2018
ESPN reported Friday night that FBI wiretaps intercepted phone conversations between Arizona coach Sean Miller and Christian Dawkins, a runner for agent Andy Miller, wherein the two discuss paying $100,000 to ensure potential No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton signs with the Wildcats.
Miller did not coach in Arizona's 98-93, overtime loss to Oregon on Saturday.
Ranked No. 29 in the 2018 class, O'Neal is a 6-foot-9 power forward from the Crossroads School (California). He averaged 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on the Nike EYBL circuit with the California Supreme AAU program last spring and summer.
O'Neal didn't sign a letter of intent during the early signing period, instead choosing to sign nonbinding financial aid papers with Arizona. As a result, O'Neal won't need the school to release him to go elsewhere.
Prior to his commitment, Kentucky and LSU, his father's alma mater, were thought to be among his potential destinations.
Without O'Neal, Arizona's 2018 class consists of ESPN 100 point guard Brandon Williams, who also decided against signing a binding letter of intent in November.