One chance is all it takes in the NBA. After going undrafted following a four-year stint at Maryland and bouncing around teams, Julian Reese finally landed a chance with the Washington Wizards just a few weeks ago. In just eight games, though, the 6’9″ forward has showcased a knack for being efficient on the board. Tonight, against the Nets, that consistency put Angel Reese’s brother in the same company as Shaquille O’Neal.

The 22-year-old scored 17 points alongside 16 rebounds. This was Reese’s third double-double in nine games for Washington. With this performance against the Brooklyn Nets, he officially joined the Big Diesel as the fastest NBA player to reach 100 career rebounds since 1992. His sister showcased immense pride and called him “Mr. Double Double” on Instagram. She has also been there in person to support him this season against the Orlando Magic.

The Wizards star wasn’t the first in the family to match O’Neal’s rebounding feat. Notably, Angel was the first rookie since Big Diesel to record consecutive NBA or WNBA games with at least 20 rebounds. Her brother is following in those footsteps. The undrafted forward has made full use of his opportunity on an injury-riddled Wizards team.

In rebounding alone, Julian Reese already holds three of the top four performances among rookies this season. He had a 20-rebound game in just his third game, coming against the Utah Jazz. This was his chance to prove he belongs in the NBA, and he has certainly made his case. Unfortunately, today’s performance wasn’t enough to secure a victory, as the Wizards fell 121-115 in a matchup between two already eliminated teams. Hopefully, though, his explosive stint with the Wizards earns him a place on their roster next season.

That said, the Reese family has a strong supporter in O’Neal. The Sky star has been the butt of jokes and subject to harsh criticism over the last two years. The NBA legend, though, doesn’t find the headlines very amusing for one key reason.

Why Shaquille O’Neal will always remain in Angel Reese’s corner

WNBA star Angel Reese doesn’t always get her fair share of appreciation. But that’s never a question if Shaquille O’Neal is talking about her. At the core of the relationship is LSU. Reese led the team to a national championship, a dream the Big Diesel couldn’t achieve. Since then, he’s spotted a desire within Reese. Speaking about their relationship, the Sky star said, “Shaq is an important person in my life. He’s like a father figure. He’s just somebody that really cares for me. So, what’s important to him is important to me.”

Big Diesel’s confidence in Reese isn’t just with words. O’Neal truly believes she is a transcendent athlete who reminds him of himself. “She plays the game the way she does, doesn’t matter what anyone says, I respect that,” the legend said.

O’Neal reaffirmed his belief in her by signing her first, as part of his bid to revive Reebok. The brand then launched its signature shoe, the ‘Angel Reese 1,’ and it sold out within 24 hours. It didn’t come as a surprise to O’Neal. He lauded her as “the face of what’s next” with Reebok. His investment in Reese, from his vocal praise to making her the face of Reebok’s revival, shows he believes her impact extends far beyond the court.