When you’re the child of an NBA legend, fame and sponsorship opportunities come as naturally as a crossover dribble. NBA royalty kids like Bronny James, son of LeBron James, and Zaire Wade, son of Dwyane Wade, have both leveraged their family names and have worked with major brands like Beats by Dre and Nike, New Balance, and more. Now Me’Arah O’Neal, the youngest daughter of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, is proving that Gen-Z athletes aren’t just about following in their parents’ footsteps.

Recently, Me’Arah promoted Tinder U, a special version of the dating app tailored for college students, through a new Instagram video that hints she’s enjoying the dating scene just as much as her time on the court.

“Yo, what’s good y’all. It’s me, Meezy O’Neal. Get ready with me to go on a date. Got invited to a party, but the invitation says I need a plus one. With playing and going to college all week, I haven’t had the time to find a date. I know it’s super last-minute, but I got a little secret. Have you heard of Tinder U?” said Me’Arah in her Instagram video.

Tinder U, designed to connect college students within their campus or nearby colleges, provides users with a more private platform for dating than the standard Tinder app. According to the 18-year-old O’Neal, it is “fun and easy.” She reveals, she even found someone that goes to her school and has the same interests as her.

Well, good for the youngest O’Neal, considering, outside of this, Me’Arah has kept herself busy with the college basketball scenes. Starting her season with the Gators against the Florida Atlantic Owls, MeA’rah had delivered 7 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist in just 20 minutes. She added 6 more in 17 minutes in the second game against the Florida A&M Rattlers, along with two rebounds and two assists.

“I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged, and that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida,” MeA’rah had said in conversation with ESPN.

While balancing sports, academics, and a budding social life isn’t easy, Me’Arah’s recent involvement with Tinder U suggests she’s finding ways to stay connected and have fun. The partnership also speaks to a new generation of college athletes who are more than just their sport. However, regarding such deals, Shaq’s ex-wife Shaunie had some advice for the kids.

Shaunie O’Neal’s advice for Me’Arah O’Neal

Shaunie O’Neal, mother of rising basketball star Me’Arah O’Neal, is encouraging her daughter to make the most of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities before she goes pro. As college athletes across the U.S. gain the ability to earn money from endorsements, Shaunie – herself a successful entrepreneur and television producer – understands the value of maximizing these opportunities early.

For Me’Arah, who currently plays college basketball at the University of Florida, NIL deals offer a unique chance to establish her brand and build financial independence while still in school.Shaunie, who has guided her children through the challenges of fame and public life, knows how crucial it is for Me’Arah to seize these financial opportunities now.

“For the women, for sure, hold on to your college career and NIL money. The more I look into it, the more I see these WNBA players are doing multiple things just to make that kinda money. I think those college students who are able to get these NIL deals, ride it until the wheels fall off!” said Shaunie.

Shaunie makes a valid point. The highest base salary for a WNBA player is $252k while Angle Reese during her LSU days made around $1.7 million. “If she can hold on to that NIL money and be in college and get a great education along with playing the sport she loves, then why not?!” added Shaunie. With her mother’s guidance, Me’Arah is likely to approach NIL deals with a smart, strategic mindset that goes beyond quick earnings.