Shaquille O’Neal’s son Shaqir O’Neal remembers late American rapper XXXTencion on his birthday

Shaqir O'Neal, son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, remembered late rapper XXXTencion on his birthday on Jan. 23. O'Neal shared a photo of the late song-writer on his Instagram story.

Shaqir O'Neal posts late rapper XXXTencion image on IG story. Image via @shaqironeal

XXXTencion was shot dead near a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on June 18, 2018. He was 20 years old. After his death, XXXTencion won an American Music Award and a BET Hip Hop Award. Two of his posthumous albums, Skins (2018) and Bad Vibes Forever (2019), entered the top five in the Billboard 200.

Shaqir O'Neal shines as Florida A&M defeat Mississippi

Florida A&M rolled over Mississippi Valley State 83-53 at the Al Lawson Center. Shaqir O'Neal was impressive in the game, coming off the bench to register 10 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 15 minutes of action.

The Rattlers shot 47.3% from the field and hit 9-of-23 three-pointers (39.1%). FAMU also stifled MSVU's defense, holding them to just 35.6% shooting and forcing 21 turnovers. Florida capitalized on those turnovers, converting 20 points and generating 20 fast break points.

In the secong half, the Rattlers continued to build momentum and led as many as 31 points, outscoring MVSU 53-38. Aside Shaqir O'Neal, FAMU players that were on the scoreboard included Milton Matthews with his game-high 23 points, including six 3-pointers, Sterling Young who scored 17 points, and Jordan Chatman who scored 10.

Meanwhile, O'Neal, in his junior year, is enjoying a productive season with FAMU after transferring from Texas Southern.

"“My goal is to win the SWAC championship and get to the tournament. FAMU hasn’t been to the March Madness in a minute,” O’Neal said, per Tallahassee Democrat on Dec. 16, 2024. “I want to help change many of my teammate’s lives. I know getting to the tournament will do that. I know we can. It’ll bring us close together.”

First-year FAMU head coach Patrick Crarey II believes in the the 6-foot-8 forward who saw minimal playing time at Texas. Although Crarey accepted that Shaqir O'Neal was inexperienced, he acknowledged the youngster's hardwork.

“He’s very green in terms of just getting into the game to play a lot,” Crarey said. “He’s going to be good. I don’t know if anybody on this team works as hard as he does outside practice. I’m proud of him and the things he’s done early in the season.”

Meanwhile, the Rattlers (5-11, 2-3) will hit the road to play Jackson State and Alcorn State this weekend.