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Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Me’Arah Emulated Dikembe Mutombo’s Iconic Finger Wag

Nandjee Ranjan
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22 Years After Shaquille O’Neal Fiercely Elbowed Dikembe Mutombo, Daughter Me’Arah Emulates His Legendary Finger Wag

Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, Me’Arah, wasn’t shy to showcase her defensive prowess in a recent game. In doing so, she would go the extra mile and invoke the celebration of one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, Dikembe Mutombo. His iconic finger wag meant an opposing player just had their shot erased from ever having a chance to even touch the rim. 

At 17 years of age, Me’Arah is already reaping the benefits of her father’s genetic gifts, standing at a staggering 6’4. With her height, skills and basketball IQ, she is able to control and direct the game on many levels. She is not only a beast in the paint area, but also can score jumpers at her will and block shots as a rim protector. 

In a recent video, she did the Mutombo wag after blocking an opponent’s shot. Playing for CyFair, Me’Arah was in the paint and saw a smaller player trying to attack the paint. She immediately rose up and swatted her dunk attempt.

The block was so emphatic that the player was later seen on the floor. Right after, Me’Arah walked away slowly down the court doing the legendary finger wag. It’s no wonder that Shaq has always praised his youngest daughter and even hailed her to be the most talented hooper to come out of the O’Neal household.

 

College options for Me’Arah, will she carry on her father’s legacy at LSU?

Me’Arah has risen up to become one of the best players in the paint area in her class. Apart from dominating the glass and scoring at their will, she also has the ability to be a nightmare on the defensive end. She is just 17 years old and her game is bound to better with age. After showing her dominant performance in the Nike EYBL circuit, speculations have started about the schools that she might choose. 

A total of eight destinations spots await her talents before the 2024 season. LSU, Baylor University, University of Kentucky, University of Florida, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, ASU, and University of Tennessee, all look forward to enrolling the talented hooper next year.

Shaq attended LSU (Louisiana State University) from 1989 to 1992 and won several accolades there. During his college years, he was so dominant that he was even considered for the 1992 Dream Team. Now it remains to be seen if Me’Arah joins her father’s alma mater and continues his legacy.

About the author

Nandjee Ranjan

Nandjee Ranjan

Nandjee is an NBA writer currently working for Sportsrush. A LeBron James fan, he supports the Los Angeles Lakers and is a passionate basketball player. Sports has had an immense impact on his personal development since a very young age. He was a zonal level football player for three years, and his passion for sports has inspired him to write about it. He has a Master's in Political Science as well as Philosophy from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, respectively. In his spare time, he loves to go on adventures and enjoys trekking.

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