Just days ago, the Stephen C. O’Connell Center lit up as the Gators crushed the Longwood Lancers with a dominant 93-65 win. Five players hit double digits, fueling their fourth consecutive victory. But Me’Arah O’Neal’s name was notably absent from that list. However, the freshman didn’t seem too fazed by it. Instead, she and her teammates stepped off the hardwood for a quick breather and joined a new project. But her struggles carried over into this unexpected venture, too.

Gators Women’s Basketball offered fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the team’s recent activity on their social media. Me’Arah and her teammates swapped basketballs for fabric during an AIR workshop on DIY blanket making. The team tried hyping the fun activity, captioning the post: “another talent unlocked: blanket making 🔓 #GoGators.” But if the shared laughter and some clearly lopsided efforts were any indication, this wasn’t a smooth ride for anyone involved.

Of course, nobody expects perfection from these lighthearted bonding activities, especially for athletes. For Me’Arah, the focus was on fun and fostering team chemistry. However, her struggles continue. Her scoring performances in games have also been far from stellar recently.

In the matchup against the Lancers, Me’Arah managed just two points in 15 minutes. To make things worse, she missed both her free throws—a stat that feels all too familiar for fans of her dad, Shaquille O’Neal. Her lone attempt from beyond the arc also clanged off the rim. Unfortunately, these shooting woes weren’t an isolated incident; Me’Arah’s scoring struggles have been apparent throughout the season.

In her last five outings, the freshman phenom had hit double digits only once, with two games where she couldn’t score at all. Her recent two-point game followed a modest seven-point effort against Marshall. While she’s still carving out her role on the team, some quality family time might just be the reset Shaq’s daughter’s needs to get her groove back on the court.

Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter longs for family

Me’Arah O’Neal poured her heart out on social media after another tough game. Sharing a nostalgic family moment, she wrote, “i need to be back with them… like right now🥲,” and added, “my sisters for eternity.” The post included a story from a close family friend who joined the O’Neals for a Bahamas trip back in 2019. The photo also featured her four close friends and her older sister Amirah.

And despite her recent scoring struggles, Me’Arah can count on her family too. In her game against Marshall, where she posted just seven points, she still delivered some highlight-worthy plays. A clip from the second quarter featured a stunning block and a clean three-pointer. The first to hype her up? Her oldest sibling with Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-partner, Arnetta Yardbourgh. She proudly reposted the video, captioning, “😤😤😤😤One of one.”

Meanwhile, mom Shaunie Henderson also jumped in, cheering for Me’Arah with a heartfelt comment: “Baaaaabygirl!!💪🏽.” Her standout moments included rejecting a shot at 7:50 on the clock and a confident three-pointer, thanks to a brilliant assist by teammate Jeriah Warren.

Still, there’s more to her game than just scoring. While not in the top five for minutes played, Me’Arah is fourth on the team for rebounds, tied for second in 3-point shooting, and leads the roster in blocks per game. With her strong foundation, a shooting comeback might not be too far off.