*The apple is not falling far from the legendary tree as Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter Me’Arah gears up to follow in her father’s path with playing in this year’s McDonald’s All-American game.
The former Los Angeles Laker was on hand to honor his daughter during a special segment of “Inside the NBA”, according to Vibe.
“First of all, I want to say I’m so proud of you, and I love you,” Shaq said as he honored Me’Arah’s achievements, along with handing her a bouquet. “And I wanted to present you with this.”
It was then that O’Neal revealed Me’Arah’s No. 24 jersey to wear for the McDonald’s All-American game. The event is noted for showcasing the best high school basketball prospects in the country.
Me’Arah’s upcoming appearance in the game comes exactly 35 years since her father played in the McDonald’s All-American game in 1989. With her selection and commitment to play basketball at the University of Florida, Vibe notes that signs point to her taking the same path as O’Neal.
“I didn’t even have any thoughts, I just got up and ran,” Me’Arah O’Neal said, regarding her reaction when finding out she would be playing in the McDonald’s All-American game. “Once they said, ‘Me’Arah O’Neal,’ I was gone.”
Me’Arah isn’t the only athlete O’Neal has lent his support to. Louisiana State University women’s basketball star Angel Reese has benefited from the NBA icon positivity after finding out she missed multiple games, due to struggle with mental health in December 2023.
“I talked to Shaq every day,” Reese, the first Reebok Basketball NIL signee, told Nola.com. “We Facetime every day. He checked on me, and called me every single day to make sure I was good. He told me every day, ‘This too shall pass. This too shall pass. This too shall pass.’ He’s been here before. He knows what it takes. Just being able to have somebody like that was good for me.”
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