Me’Arah O’Neal, the youngest daughter of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, has achieved a major personal milestone in college basketball.
In only her third game with the Florida Gators, Me’Arah lead her team to another victory with standout stats. As EssentiallySports reports, “In just 17 minutes, she scored 18 points, double than her previous two games combined.”
“It was a wrap from there,” the 18-year-old spoke after the game when she nailed her first 3-point shot. “I really worked on all day today, the past few games it was a little off. And just getting the first point on the board, actually making that first shot felt good.” It’s the second straight game for the Gators to score 100+ points. And for the second year in a row, they have started on a 3-0 undefeated streak under coach Kelly Rae Finley.
Speaking with ESPN, Me’Arah shared a piece of advice from her father that has guided her through her journey:
“My dad always tells me that pressure makes diamonds. I always try to keep that with me, especially in those moments where everyone is watching. I’m just trying to do me and make myself proud.”
In comparison to her first two games, where she scored 7 and 6 points, respectively, Me’Arah has notably improved her performance.
In the latest game, Me’Arah showcased her rebounding skills and impressive accuracy from beyond the three-point line, hitting 66.7% against the Chicago State Cougars. After scoring her first three-pointer, Me’Arah stated, “I felt it was the moment. I focused a lot on improving my shots, and making that first one was a relief.”
Shaquille O’Neal has frequently expressed the potential he sees in his youngest daughter. During his Hall of Fame induction, Shaquille mentioned that Me’Arah could become “the best women’s basketball player if she stays on this path,” something she has already begun to show on the court. However, Shaquille has also emphasized that he does not want to pressure his children but to support them in their development and love for the sport.
Mom, Shaunie, previously mentioned that Me’Arah was always gifted in the sport.
“When I first saw Me’Arah dribble a basketball,” Shaunie Henderson said, “I actually was kind of shocked because no one taught her. She just watched her brothers. It wasn’t even like she was a little girl that watched basketball on television. … She has a God-given athletic ability that is just not normal.”