“I really worked on all day today. The past few games it was a little off. And just getting the first point on the board, actually making that first shot felt good.” A few games ago, Me’Arah O’Neal scored a career-high 18 points in just 17 minutes. She also helped her team achieve a 3-0 start to the season, but since then it has been rough sailing. A few days ago, her performance against the James Madison Dukes, demonstrated just that.

Three of her teammates scored in double-digits, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a 77-72 defeat. A few points from Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest would have helped her team. Because in her 17 minutes, she mustered only 4 shots, and one was behind the arc, which resulted in her scoring her lowest 0 points. But, let’s not forget that she is returning from an injury sustained in the 4th game of the season.

During the Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes clash, the 18-year-old suffered a blow to the face. Eight minutes into the first quarter, Miami’s Natalija Marshall was going for a layup when she made contact with Me’Arah O’Neal. The Freshman exited the court having played just three minutes and no scores. Her not being part of the game also led to the Gators losing their first game of the season. She also missed the subsequent game. Currently, the Gators are 3-4 and last in the Southeastern Conference.

In her first game back against the Tulane Green Waves, the 6 foot 4 star played 22 minutes. The most she has played this season. But failed to reach the double-digit mark in points once again this season. With just 7 points, 6 rebounds, and a FG% of 40%. The Gators lost the game by one possession (83-81) and the teams were tied six different times in the final five minutes of play.

One positive thing about Me’Arah O’Neal has been her ability to come back. The third-best prospect in the state of Texas for the 2024 recruiting class did score her highest in the third game of the season. After failing to hit double-digit points in her debut with mother Shaunie Henderson in attendance.

Shaq was absent when Me’Arah O’Neal made her debut

“The moments I wish I could split myself in half…. Both my babies game openers tonight. I’ll be sitting in the stands watching one while holding my phone watching the other. MOTHERHOOD! I love every minute of it. Cheering for both at the same time!” Shaunie Henderson had no choice but to watch only one of her kids live in attendance for their debut game. Because Me’Arah and Shaqir had their games on the exact same date.

So, Shaq was in attendance watching Shaqir, while his ex-Shaunie cheered on the youngest of the family. The Episcopal recruit could manage only 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in front of her mother. But let’s not forget her father made a statement supporting the 18-year-old. Shaquille O’Neal said, “I think it’s fair to say one day if she continues, Me’Arah will probably be the best women’s basketball player ever. She’s that good.”

Meezy has remained 100% from the free throw line in all her games with the Gators. In the upcoming game against the Hofstra Pride at home, Me’Arah would hope to improve from her previous outing and help her team end the 4 game losing streak.