Kentucky nabs Florida transfer Me’Arah O’Neal, Shaq’s daughter
Me’Arah O’Neala standout ahead at Florida as a sophomore final season and the youngest daughter of Shaquille O’Neal, introduced her dedication to Kentucky on Monday through Instagram.
O’Neal averaged 13.4 factors, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for Florida, which fired coach Kelly Rae Finley following a 5-11 end within the SEC and a tie for twelfth place within the standings. O’Neal, a 6-foot-4 ahead who shot 53% total and related on 38% of his 3-point makes an attempt final season, introduced his intention to transfer after Finley’s dismissal.
“After a lot of thought and intentionality with my next steps, I’ve made the tough decision to enter the transfer portal,” she wrote on Instagram. “With faith and high expectations, I’m ready to power forward and embrace wherever God takes me next.”
O’Neal’s siblings additionally adopted of their father’s footsteps on the hardwood. His older brother Shareef performed at UCLA and L.S.U.. Her sister Amirah performed at L.S.U. and Texas Southern. Another brother, Shaqiraveraged 5.3 factors at Sacramento State final season.
However, Shaquille O’Neal not too long ago known as Me’Arah one of the best athlete within the crew.
“My baby is the best athlete in the family because she can do it all,” he stated not too long ago on his podcast. “She’s not an old-school player. She’s the new pick-your-type player, so I’m going to give her the title. She can shoot, she can dribble. She can’t be fazed when it comes to certain things.”
O’Neal is one other vital pickup for Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks, who led his workforce to the Sweet 16 in March.
Clara Strackthe workforce’s main scorer and an all-SEC first-team choice in 2025-26, and Asia Boonea 5-8 guard who averaged 10.1 factors and made 37% of his 3-point makes an attempt, are returning for 2026-27. They shall be joined by a recruiting class that features McDonald’s All Americans Maddyn Greenway, Savvy Swords and Emily McDonald. O’Neal and UConn transfer Ayanna Patterson will add to that expertise pool by way of the portal.
