The entire O’Neal family is inclined towards basketball. Three of his children are following in Shaquille O’Neal’s footsteps. However, there’s another passion that the O’Neal family holds dear. The youngest O’Neal, who has previously stunned the world with her athleticism, basketball brilliance, and playing style similar to her father’s, revealed that she would choose a completely different profession if she ever decided to end her basketball career.

MeArah O’Neal believes that basketball is the only sport for her. If any case, she had to choose a different career, it would be modeling. “I’d probably go into, like, the modeling world or, like… Something with fashion. because I love fashion,” Me’Arah said in a conversation with ESPN.

Her elder brother Myles O’Neal was a model initially in his career. He met Pharrell Williams and slowly made a career in both the fashion world as well as the music world. The O’Neals do have an affinity for fashion. So, it would be natural for Me’Arah to pursue her career in fashion which comes next to basketball for her.

Shareef O’Neal was initially supposed to leave for Australia to further his career. However, he joined Reebok to help his father redesign the brand image at O’Neal’s request. Shareef is currently taking a break from his career, but he has promised to return soon.

Well, looking at MeArah’s basketball career, she is quite far from giving up the sports she loves. Last year, she was selected for the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game. Her father O’Neal was visibly emotional and almost teary-eyed as he praised his daughter.

Me’Arah O’Neal has consistently made her parents proud

During the conversation, Me’Arah shared that Candace Parker is her favorite player. While honoring his daughter, the Lakers legend also expressed gratitude to Parker for paving the way for young, aspirational basketball players like Me’Arah. As he presented the No. 24 jersey to his daughter, the 4x NBA champ emotionally detailed, “First of all, I want to say I’m so proud of you, and I love you.”

Back in her high school days, she led her school to the SPC Class 4A State Championship, averaging 19.2 points and 2.3 blocks per game. The Episcopal Senior had offers from Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Cal, Baylor, and Arizona State. 

Despite an offer from her father’s alma mater, LSU, the 17-year-old decided to join the Florida Gators under the leadership of Coach Kelly Rae Finley. When asked what the Los Angeles Lakers legend might have pursued if he hadn’t been a basketball player, O’Neal said he would have explored a career in football. As for Me’Arah, if she hadn’t pursued sports, she believes modeling would be the fitting choice. 

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.