There’s no mistaking the athletic legacy that Shaquille O’Neal has left on the basketball court. And now it seems his children are ready to pick up the torch. Shaqir and Me’Arah O’Neal are emerging talents as they both started their college-hooping careers on November 4th, proving that the passion and skill for the game run deep in their family. As they follow in the footsteps of their legendary father, their biggest supporter, Shaunie O’Neal, is right there, cheering on every move and milestone.

Recently, Shaunie took to Instagram with a proud three-word message for her son Shaqir after he pulled off an impressive backdoor slam, echoing the signature style of his Hall of Fame dad. “That’s my boooy,” she wrote, ever supportive. This story came just right after both Me’Arah and Myles O’Neal shared the video on their respective Instagram stories.

As mentioned before in the clip shared by Shaunie, Shaqir executed a flawless backdoor slam, a move his father Shaquille O’Neal made famous during his NBA career. One unforgettable example of this move took place on June 14, 2000, during Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers. Playing for the Florida A&M men’s basketball team, Shaqir faced off against Maryland at the XFINITY Center. The 21-year-old scored 9 points in the game, and in one standout moment, he received a quick pass and made a slam dunk, and the highlight even reached the official FAMU page.

However, despite Shaqir’s efforts, the Rattlers were eventually bested by Maryland 84-53. This marked their third consecutive loss of the season. But still, the game was a good showcase of the 21-year-old’s growth. He scored just 2 points in the opening match of this season against the TCU Horned Frogs. That compared to the recent performance is a great improvement.

Moreover, this isn’t the only time that Shaunie has openly praised Shaqir.

The Rattlers also posted a different highlight video of Shaqir from his game against the TCU Horned Frogs. It was eventually shared by the Basketball Wives actress on her Instagram story and had the caption, “That’s my boy! I love you and I’m so proud of you son.” 

With Shaunie in his corner, celebrating each triumph with pride, Shaqir O’Neal is poised to make his own unforgettable mark in basketball. However, CEO of Amirah, Inc., wasn’t able to catch the 21-year-old in action in his first game of the season.

The Reason Shaunie was absent from Shaqir’s debut game with Florida

Shaunie O’Neal who has always been there behind the scenes as a constant, passionate supporter of her children’s sporting achievements was noticeably absent from her son Shaqir O’Neal’s debut with the Florida A&M Rattlers. Even though she was known for supporting all her kids equally, the 49-year-old had already made a commitment.

Coincidentally, both of Shaqir and Me’Arah’s opening nights of this season had fallen on the same date. Physically it was not possible for Shaunie to be present at both games so she chose to support the youngest one this time. “The moments I wish I could split myself in half…. Both my babies game openers tonight. I’ll be sitting in the stands watching one while holding my phone watching the other. MOTHERHOOD! I love every minute of it. Cheering for both at the same time!” wrote Shaunie as the caption of an Instagram post.