Rosters for the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game, an annual exhibition featuring the top high school players from across the nation, has been unveiled. And Shaquille O’Neal‘s youngest daughter, Me’Arah O’Neal, is a part of it. No doubt, Shaunie Henderson is ecstatic about her daughter’s achievement.
Shaunie shared on Instagram, “Super proud Mom Moment!!! @mearahoneal is a McDonald’s All American 2024!!!!!… You worked so hard for this, you earned this spot. SHINE BRIGHT BABYGIRL!!!!” She also added a hashtag to let people know that Me’arah is the first O’Neal after Shaq to make it to the All-American team. Me’Arah O’Neal was so happy that she even ran a victory lap!
Shaq’s CEO daughter, Taahirah O’Neal, also shared some high appreciation for her younger sister. She commented on the 17-year-old’s Instagram post, “Look what you did babe! You’re unstoppable”.
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Further, Myles O’Neal wrote, “Lets gooooooooo!!!!” whereas Shareef O’Neal, Shaqir O’Neal, and Amirah O’Neal showed their love through emojis. The 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game will take place on April 2 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Apart from the 6-foot-3 guard from Episcopal High School in Texas, Mackenly Randolph, Zach Randolph’s daughter is also a part of the roster. Both will be a part of the West team for the girls game.
Ann Fritz from Blue Valley North High School (Kansas) will be the head coach for the team. Mike Hilbert from Blue Valley North High School (Kansas) and Mark Spigarelli from Blue Springs High School (Missouri) will be the designated assistant coaches.
As per the information available, players were chosen from a list of 729 nominees by some of the country’s top analysts, media, prep scouts, and coaches based on competitive criteria. Surely, it is a big honor for Me’Arah O’Neal. But did you know that Shaquille O’Neal has also been a part of the McDonald’s All-American game as a teenager?
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Shaquille O’Neal was 17 years old too when he received the same honor. It was back in 1989, where the Los Angeles Lakers legend led the Team West to a 112-103 victory over the Team East. The Big Diesel dropped one of the most iconic performances in an All-American match-up, finishing the game with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 impressive blocks.
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His monstrous performance earned him the All-American MVP, which he shared with NCAA head coach Bobby Hurley. Just like the 4x NBA champion, Me’arah is a dominant center and her game caught a lot of attention, leading to a lot of offers from top universities.
Although she was expected to be a part of the LSU Tigers like her dad, Me’arah decided to be a bit unique and thus chose the Florida Gators. She has officially committed to the University of Florida. But looking at some similarities in their initial careers, the 17-year-old might bring the MVP home once again.
However, Me’arah O’Neal isn’t the only Gator signee on the 2024 McDonald’s All-American roster. Liv McGill is also a part of it. So this is the first time in program history that Florida has two signees at the same time on the McDonald’s All-American roster.
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What are your thoughts on Me’arah O’Neal’s big achievement? Share your take in the comments below.