Young fans are awestruck to see Shaquille O’Neal‘s daughter Me’Arah O’Neal in action. The Florida Gators opened their doors to aspiring high school basketballers recently, offering a chance to learn skills alongside college-level players. The 17-year-old, who committed to the Gators last year, also took the opportunity to mentor and coach the kids who share her passion. Needless to say, the kids were thrilled and star-struck to see the 6’4″ forward.

“Just had McDonald’s All American @mearahoneal as my elite camp coach. Oh and her dad is Shaq,” one of the participants wrote on her IG Stories along with sharing a picture of the two from the camp. While the kids recognized her as NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, many are well aware of her abilities and achievements. 

Like her father, she was also named a McDonald’s All-American. The kids are familiar with the impressive run Me’Arah has had with Episcopal High School. She led her team to the SPC Championship. This is exactly what the NBA legend had hoped for his children, and Me’Arah is living that dream, making a name for herself.

All the kids at the Elite Camp who had the chance to be mentored by O’Neal’s youngest daughter shared snaps from the events on their Instagram, which were later reposted by the 6’4″ forward. 

The Los Angeles Lakers legend believes that it’s the competitive spirit running in the family that eventually fueled his daughter.

How did Me’Arah O’Neal learn to play basketball? 

Shaq mentioned how Me’Arah’s brother wouldn’t let her play with them, which initially frustrated her but ultimately drove her to improve. If you ask Me’Arah’s mother, Shaunie Henderson, she will tell you that her daughter was born with innate talent. She recalls how Me’Arah, as a young girl, would watch her brothers play basketball and learn it on her own.

In a conversation, the mother of five admitted that she was shocked to see her youngest dribble and dunk a ball for the first time.“I actually was kind of shocked because no one taught her. She just watched her brothers. It wasn’t even like she was a little girl that watched basketball on television. … She has a God-given athletic ability that is just not normal,” Shaunie said.

The 4x NBA Champion’s prediction about his daughter becoming one of the best basketball players in his Hall of Fame speech might come true. Under the guidance of coach Kelly Rae Finley, Me’Arah and the Gators are aiming to bring the NCAA championship. The team will have their first game on November 4.

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.