When you see the name O'Neal on the back of a jersey, you expect a skyscraper. You're looking for a guy who has to duck under standard doorways and makes a regulation basketball look like a grapefruit. But if you’re catching a Sacramento State game this season, you might do a double-take.
Shaqir O'Neal stands exactly 6 feet 8 inches tall.
That is a lot of height for a regular person. It’s plenty for a college forward. But compared to his father, the legendary Shaquille O'Neal, it’s a bit of a curveball. We're talking about a family where "average" starts at 6'10". Shaqir is the youngest son, and while he’s definitely got the O'Neal DNA, he isn't a 7-foot behemoth.
Honestly, it changes the way he has to play the game.
Breaking Down Shaqir O’Neal’s Official Measurements
Let’s get the hard data out of the way. According to the 2025-26 Sacramento State roster, Shaqir is listed at 6'8" and weighs in at about 200 pounds. He’s a senior now. He has filled out a little bit since his freshman days at Texas Southern, where he was closer to 185 pounds, but he’s still built like a modern wing rather than a traditional powerhouse.
Why does this matter? Because everyone asks the same thing: Is he still growing?
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Probably not. He’s 22 years old. Most guys are done adding vertical inches by this point. He grew from 6'7" to 6'8" between his sophomore and junior years, which was a nice little late-stage bonus. But the dream of him hitting 7 feet like his dad or even 6'10" like his brother Shareef is likely over.
The O'Neal family tree is a weird one when it comes to height.
- Shaquille O'Neal: 7'1"
- Shareef O'Neal: 6'10"
- Me'arah O'Neal: 6'4" (She’s a beast for the Florida Gators right now).
- Shaqir O'Neal: 6'8"
He's the "short" one of the brothers. Isn't that wild? 6'8" and you're the little brother.
The Sacramento State Era: New Height, New Role
Shaqir’s journey hasn't been a straight line. He started at Texas Southern, sat out a redshirt year, then moved to Florida A&M. Now, he’s at Sacramento State under head coach Mike Bibby. Interestingly enough, his dad is actually the General Manager there now—a volunteer role, but still, it's a family affair.
At 6'8", Shaqir isn't playing center. He’s a forward. He’s out there on the perimeter, shooting threes and trying to use his length to disrupt passing lanes. In the 2024-25 season at Florida A&M, he actually shot 37.5% from deep. That’s something Big Shaq never had in his bag.
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Being 6'8" gives him a specific advantage in the Big Sky Conference. He’s tall enough to guard multiple positions, but he’s mobile enough to keep up with smaller guards. If he were 7'1", he’d be stuck in the paint. At his current height, he has the "3-and-D" potential that NBA scouts actually look for these days.
Comparing Shaqir to the Big Aristotle
Comparison is the thief of joy, but when your dad has four rings and a statue outside Staples Center, people are going to compare.
Shaq was a physical anomaly. By age 13, the elder O'Neal was already 6'6". He was 6'10" by the time he hit high school. Shaqir’s growth was much more "human." He stayed in that 6'3" to 6'5" range for a long time during his early years at Crossroads High School before that final 6'8" stretch.
The weight difference is even more staggering. Shaq played at 325 pounds (and sometimes... more). Shaqir is 200 pounds. He’s lean. He’s fast. He’s bouncy.
People often wonder if his height affects his draft stock. The reality is that the NBA has moved away from 7-footers who can't move. Being 6'8" is actually a "sweet spot" in the modern league. Think about guys like Jayson Tatum or Paul George—that’s the archetype Shaqir is aiming for, even if he’s still developing the consistency to get there.
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What the Future Holds for the Youngest O'Neal
As he finishes his senior year in 2026, the question of height will finally take a backseat to the question of talent. He’s draft-eligible this year.
Will he get drafted? It’s an uphill battle. His stats at the mid-major level have been modest—averaging around 4 to 9 points per game depending on the stretch. But his height and his name will always get him a look in the Summer League or the G League.
The biggest thing for Shaqir has been carving out an identity that isn't just "Shaq's son." He’s a creator. He likes fashion. He’s a different kind of athlete. He’s accepted that he isn't going to be the most dominant physical force in basketball history. He’s just trying to be a very good 6'8" basketball player.
Actionable Takeaways for Following Shaqir’s Career
If you’re tracking Shaqir's progress or looking to understand his game better, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the 3-point percentage: For a player of his height and lineage, his value lies in his shooting. If he’s hitting above 35%, he’s a legitimate pro prospect.
- Check the defensive versatility: Don't just look at points. Watch how he switches on screens. At 6'8", his ability to guard 1 through 4 is his best trait.
- Ignore the "Shaq" expectations: He will never play like his father. Evaluate him as a modern wing player, not a post-up center.
- Follow the Sacramento State Box Scores: This 2025-26 season is his last chance to put up "lead dog" numbers before trying for the pros.
Shaqir O'Neal might be the shortest male in his immediate family, but 6'8" is still a massive frame to work with. He’s built his own game in a body that’s more versatile than his father's was, and that’s exactly what makes his journey worth watching.