“My dad always tells me that pressure makes diamonds. I always try to keep that with me, especially in those moments where everyone is watching. I’m just trying to do me and make myself proud.” Me’Arah said, sharing her father’s advice on handling pressure with ESPN. Shaquille O’Neal’s advice seems to have worked, as the youngest kid balled out in her third appearance.
In just 17 minutes, she scored 18 points, double than her previous two games combined. Her points, rebounding skills, and scoring beyond the arc were better than the combined two games’ performances, too. She had 8 rebounds in game three, to 5 and 2 in games 1 and 2, respectively. With mother Shaunie Henderson in attendance, Me’Arah scored just 1-7 from a 3-point range in game 1. In the next game, she improved it to 50% but against the Chicago State Cougars; it was 66.7%.
“It was a wrap from there,” the 18-year-old spoke after the game when she nailed her first 3-point shot. “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.” It’s the second straight game for the Gators to score 100+ points. And for the second year in a row, they have started on a 3-0 undefeated streak under coach Kelly Rae Finley.
In previous games, Meezy scored 7 and 6 points, respectively. But unlike her father, Shaquille O’Neal FT line troubles, Me’Arah has been 5-5, a 100% record. Her NCAA journey started out hot, but the same can’t be said about her brother. Who is also in Florida, but has an opposite start to his season.
Shaquille O’Neal’s son is yet to score in double digits
Shaqir is representing Florida A&M Rattlers and suffered a third consecutive loss this season. Father Shaquille O’Neal was in the stands watching the debut game where the forward scored just 2 points in 15 minutes of the action. With poor shooting 1-4 from FG and 0-2 from beyond the arc.
Against the Maryland Terrapins, in the third game, Shaqir was the closest to hitting the double-digit scoring mark. His teammate Tyler Shirley was the only one to score 10 points, while Shaqir and Milton Mathews scored 9 each as they suffered a third straight blowout. Interestingly, his shooting improved with 60% from field goals and 75% from FT. But in comparison to sister Me’Arah and her team, he still has a long way to go.
Shaquille O’Neal would be hoping that both his kids not only get valuable points but also showcase their true potential. “I don’t like to put pressure on my babies, but she works out with my sons, and 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.” During his Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction, the Lakers legend spoke highly about his youngest, and so far she has not yet disappointed.
Shaquille O’Neal’s children, Me’Arah and Shaqir, are each finding their way in college basketball. Me’Arah has shown impressive early progress with the Gators, while Shaqir works to gain traction with the Rattlers. Both are poised to grow, carrying forward their father’s legacy on the court.
