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Myron Medcalf
More than one Authors
Me’Arah O’Neal, a standout ahead at Florida as a sophomore closing season and the youngest daughter of Shaquille O’Neal, introduced her dedication to Kentucky on Monday by way of Instagram.
O’Neal averaged 13.4 issues, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for Florida, which fired trainer Kelly Rae Finley following a 5-11 end within the SEC and a tie for twelfth position within the standings. O’Neal, a 6-foot-4 ahead who shot 53% general and hooked up on 38% of her 3-point makes an attempt closing season, introduced her goal to switch after Finley’s dismissal.
“After numerous idea and intentionality with my subsequent steps, I have made the cruel choice to go into the switch portal,” she wrote on Instagram. “With religion and top expectancies, I am able to energy ahead and include anyplace God takes me subsequent.”
O’Neal’s siblings additionally adopted of their father’s footsteps at the hardwood. Her older brother Shareef performed at UCLA and LSU. Her sister Amirah performed at LSU and Texas Southern. Any other brother, Shaqir, averaged 5.3 issues at Sacramento State closing season.
Then again, Shaquille O’Neal just lately known as Me’Arah the most efficient athlete within the workforce.
“My child is the most efficient athlete within the circle of relatives as a result of she will do all of it,” he mentioned just lately on his podcast. “She’s now not an old-school participant. She’s the brand new pick-your-type participant, so I’ll give her the name. She will shoot, she will dribble. She cannot be fazed with regards to sure issues.”
O’Neal is some other important pickup for Kentucky trainer Kenny Brooks, who led his group to the Candy 16 in March.
Clara Strack, the group’s main scorer and an all-SEC first-team variety in 2025-26, and Asia Boone, a 5-8 guard who averaged 10.1 issues and made 37% of her 3-point makes an attempt, are returning for 2026-27. They’re going to be joined by way of a recruiting magnificence that comes with McDonald’s All American citizens Maddyn Greenway, Savvy Swords and Emily McDonald. O’Neal and UConn switch Ayanna Patterson will upload to that ability pool throughout the portal.