Me’Arah O’Neal has committed to play college basketball for the Florida Gators.
The decision comes as a deviation from the family legacy at LSU, where her father, Shaquille O’Neal, achieved college basketball stardom before an illustrious 19-season NBA career.
Despite being courted by defending national champions LSU, Me’Arah opted for the allure of the Florida Gators, citing a strong connection with Coach Kelly Rae Finely as a key factor in her decision, who Me’Arah believes cares about her not only on the court but also off it.
The 17-year-old ranked No. 33 overall in the 2024 recruiting class, shared her sentiments with ESPN, saying:
“I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged, and that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida.”
In an interview with ESPN, proud father Shaquille O’Neal revealed that he consciously stayed out of his daughter’s decision-making process.
“What I did tell her is, ‘Go where you’re needed, not where you’re wanted,'” he said, emphasizing the importance of Me’Arah forging her own path and having her unique experiences.
Me’ArahMe’Arah had no shortage of offers, with schools like the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Arizona State University, University of California, Berkeley, Boston University, Louisiana State University, University of Kentucky, and Georgia Tech vying for her talents.
Me'Arah O'Neal is looking to make her own name ✍️
More: https://t.co/bEQbv7zg31 pic.twitter.com/AShw9WWKjh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 11, 2023
However, her heart led her to the Florida Gators.
Me’Arah is Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest daughter.
The NBA legend has four children (Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah) with ex-wife, Shaunie.
O’Neal also has a daughter, Taahirah, with his former girlfriend, Arnetta Yardbourgh.
