The Coach Who Changed Jermaine O'Neal's Path | NBA News

A young Jermaine ONeal, just 18, nearly skipped college for the NBA—until Kentucky’s Rick Pitino gave him the honest truth: the team would be fine without him, and he should choose what’s best for his future. That raw, no-nonsense advice shifted everything. O’Neal listened, went pro, and later became a six-time All-Star with the Pacers—proving sometimes the toughest truth is the one that sets you free. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9c5a2762e6afc7ab