Being the daughter of a Hall of Famer like Shaquille O’Neal can’t be easy. But Me’arah O’Neal seems well up to the task of meeting expectations.
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The pursuit of basketball excellence is something that the O’Neal family has taken quite seriously. 2 of Shaq’s younger sons – Shareef and Shaqir O’Neal – are both college basketball players.
Shareef’s basketball career was severely affected by his heart problems, almost putting paid to his basketball hopes. However, he is currently playing in the G-League for the Ignite team.
Shaqir is almost certainly not going to become a professional, given that he’s been a reserve player throughout his college career. Amirah O’Neal is also on the same boat, having transferred from LSU to Texas Southern for more consistent playing time.
This leaves Me’arah as the family’s sole basketball hope for the next generation. It’s a good thing for them, therefore, that the 16-year-old seems up for the challenge set by her dad.
Me’arah O’Neal shares Instagram highlights of her HS career thus far
Me’arah, who’s 6’3″ already despite being just 16 years old, has been described by some outlets as a walking mismatch. Given her overpowering frame for her current age, this seems appropriate.
She posted a highlight reel of some of her basketball achievements on Instagram today, set to the tune of 21 Savage’s track ‘Runnin’.
The reel features her showing off various aspects of her game. She’s dunking in-game, making fadeaway jumpers and swishing 3-pointers with aplomb.
Me’arah also exhibits dexterity with her dribbling, able to handle the ball with both hands. Overall, she definitely looks too strong and too good for her current level of competition.
Shaquille O’Neal projected that Me’arah could go on and become the greatest women’s basketball player ever
Shaquille O’Neal is famous for putting people on the spot with his antics. This trait of his was transparently visible even in his extremely entertaining Hall of Fame speech from 2016.
Me’arah was just about 10 years old at the time of this event. However, her father placed a pretty big burden on her shoulders – that of targeting GOAT status:
“I don’t like to put pressure on my babies, but she works out with my sons and I think it’s fair to say one day if she continues, Me’arah will be the best women’s basketball player ever. She’s that good.”
So much for ‘not putting pressure on his babies’!
