Me’Arah O’Neal is carving her own way out of her father’s legacy. And after her recent feat, brother Shareef O'Neal had no doubts who the best hooper in the family is.

The Florida Gators’ Guard was burning hot during the SEC Tournament’s first round on March 4. Me’Arah grabbed 22 points and 4 rebounds in the staggering 86-68 winning match against Mississippi State, surpassing Shaquille O’Neal’s SEC benchmark. But brother Shareef always saw this coming.

“Bro, Me’Arah the living legend, I’ve been saying”, Shareef shared with ESPNW. “I’ve been saying, Me’Arah’s always been the best hooper in the family… I couldn’t even do that. But congratulations, Me’Arah, you’ve been working so hard ever since you were little kid…. I’m so proud of her.”

Shaq played the SEC twice with the LSU Tigers, averaging 21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game across three seasons. And his daughter outscoring that was a “crazy stat to hear” and “so insane” for 'Reef', who couldn’t help expressing his pleasure.

However, Me’Arah has always been that good. Despite averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds for the season, the Gators’ 8 went 7-of-12 from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-P range, scoring 22 points in 24 minutes. While Reef found it enchanting, Shaq always knew her daughter had game.

Shaquille O’Neal Always Knew Me’Arah’s Potential

Shaq’s been vocal about her daughter’s skills since 2016. In his Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech that same year, the NBA icon said that while he does not like pressuring his kids, he knows that Me’Arah has the potential to be one of the best.

“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 probably be the best women's basketball player ever”, Shaq said. "She's that good."

And on her part, the 19-year-old also paid close attention to her father’s words. A standout since her freshman year, Me’Arah has made it clear that she’s trying to make herself proud.

“My dad always tells me that pressure makes diamonds," she toldESPN in 2024. "I 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." 

And after her recent feat, it’s clear that the advice is pulling off really well. Do you think Me’Arah will be able to surpass her father someday in the future? Comment it down.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy