The Florida women’s basketball team welcomes the daughter of legendary former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal to be a part of their squad.
Four-star recruit Me’Arah O’Neal in the 2024 cycle officially signed with the University of Florida this past Sunday afternoon, putting her name on the dotted line after only visiting the campus a single time.
O’Neal said she felt instantly connected with head coach Kelly Rae Finley and the campus, solidifying her decision.
“I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged,” O’Neal told ESPN. “And that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida. I felt like I connected with Coach Kelly more than I connected with any of the other schools that recruited me. She really cares about me not just on the court but off the court. That’s important for me.”
Her father, better known as Shaq, rose to fame playing for the LSU Tigers before being drafted in 1992 to the Orlando Magic. The NBA Hall of Famer didn’t want to influence his daughter’s decision too much, even while visiting the LSU campus.
“One of the best moments of my life, where I took her to my alma mater and they knew who she was,” O’Neal said. “But believe it or not, I tried to stay out of it. What I did tell her is, ‘Go where you’re needed, not where you’re wanted. Because if you go where you’re wanted and they got other people like you, may take a while.’ I want (my kids) to have their own journey, have their own experience.”
Me’Arah O’Neal is a four-star who is ranked No. 33 on the ESPNW scale. The Tennessee Volunteers, Kentucky Wildcats and LSU Tigers were all among the finalists before signing to Florida.
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