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via Getty

via Getty

Shaquille O’Neal and his dominance on the basketball court had much to do with his behemoth size. The Big Aristotle was 7’1″ and famously weighed 395 pounds while winning his third title with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was amazing how somebody could be as athletic with that much mass on them. Years later, it seems like Shaq has passed on his perfect genetics to his kids, who seem to flourish in them. In a recent interview, Me’arah O’Neal, Shaq’s daughter, revealed how she uses her size to her advantage but in a different way.

Me’arah O’Neal, daughter of Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie Henderson, has grown up to be 6’4 at the age of 16. Her talent is catching up to her height, as she is one of Houston’s most impressive young athletes.

Me’arah O’Neal grew up to be a different basketball player than her father Shaquille O’Neal 

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The Big Aristotle’s 16-year-old daughter had decided to put her height to her advantage from a young age as she decided to pursue basketball. After moving to Houston from California a couple of years ago, Me’arah quickly became one of the favorites at her new school, Episcopal High School.

In a recent interview with H-Town High School Sports, the 16-year-old sensation was showered praise by her coach, Courtney Arnold, due to her “all-around game.” Additionally, Me’arah also spoke about her approach to the game and how she didn’t fancy being a post-up player like her legendary father.

The game out there is just expanding” said Me’arah. She further added, “It’s not really anymore post players in the game, everybody just does their own thing. And me, I like to shoot from outside and dribble and do all that and so.”

Me’arah is primarily correct in her analysis, as the 3pt shooting in today’s game has increased from Shaq’s era. According to some statistics, during the Big Aristotle’s era, teams used to have 17% 3-point attempts, which increased to 39.2 % in 2020. 

Me’arah also shared a funny incident where she mentioned that her dad debated with her on how good he was at 3-pointers while she laughed it off.

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 Notably, Me’arah’s explosive skills would be a great match for the WNBA, as shooting is deemed important everywhere in basketball.

Me’arah’s skills could be the X-factor in the WNBA

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A’ja Wilson, the 2022 WNBA Winner and former MVP, stand at 6’5. Me’arah is almost as tall as Wilson at the age of 16. Although there must be a significant gap in the skill level, it provides food for thought.

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The WNBA has players who have around 40% 3pt attempts. Naturally, shooting skills are an important part of a player’s skill set, and Me’arah seems to improve daily.

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Is she going to surpass her father, Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments below.