Never ask a man to choose between his children. However, you could ask the children to choose amongst themselves. As a father of 6, Shaquille O’Neal never pressured any of his children, especially regarding athletic inclination. But, a few of them did take towards that sphere. But, who among them is the best?
The obvious bet would be NBA G-Leaguer, Shareef O’Neal. However, according to the 23-year-old, that crown goes to someone else. Even during family matches, Shareef revealed that it is teenaged Me’Arah who smokes everyone else. “McDonald’s All-American going to the University of Florida. I’ve always said this my whole life that she was the best one out of all of us.”
Moreover, he believes the Los Angeles Lakers legend would confirm his assumptions. “You can ask my dad, he’s gonna say the same thing. Me’arah is, for sure, the most skilled, talented O’Neal.” But, there is a reason he thinks Me’Arah was able to find the success she already has.
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“When she was younger, she never wanted to play against her age group. She wanted to hoop against me and my friends. She’s like, ‘When y’all go play basketball, let me know.’ So, she’s talented…She’s a different level…I went to her game, you know, I literally almost cried tears of joy…I just love seeing my family win. So, she’s going to be the deal, though.”
With the family firmly behind her, a glorious career with the Florida Gators awaits Me’Arah O’Neal. But, the “most talented” moniker might only apply to her for basketball endeavors exclusively.
The success that the Shaquille O’Neal’s children have found
Early on, the Miami Heat legend made it clear to his kids that a focus on basketball wasn’t necessary. If they wanted to pursue it as a career, Shaq was fine with it. If not, just as well. But, that didn’t stop them from building their own brand and name.
That is especially true in the case of his eldest son, Myles O’Neal. He has gone on to become a phenomenal DJ and model. A millionaire today, he even works alongside his father in the DJ Diesel persona to help with his music. Shareef and Shaqir have taken after him to a more basketball-oriented approach.
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However, the story for Me’Arah O’Neal is still being written. She’s already moved out from her father’s shadow. Despite an intense recruitment period and her father’s connections, she shunned LSU in favor of the University of Florida.
Breaking: Me'Arah O'Neal, ranked No. 33 in the espnW Top 100, has committed to play basketball for the Florida Gators. pic.twitter.com/zSU1FANYaN
— ESPN (@espn) November 12, 2023
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Already a standout athlete, the sky is the limit for the 17-year-old. It should truly be a pleasure to witness what heights the youngster can climb to. But, if one thing is clear, it’s that the entire family is in her corner.
READ MORE: “Big Fella! Love!”: LeBron James Gives Shaquille O’Neal’s Emotional Orlando Night a Warm Embrace