Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, recently displayed a wave of pride and emotion over his youngest daughter, Me’Arah, as she reached a major milestone in her basketball career.
In late February 2024, O’Neal surprised his daughter on national television during an episode of TNT’s Inside the NBA as the Los Angeles Lakers legend celebrated Me’Arah‘s selection as a McDonald’s All-American by unveiling her jersey on-air.
The moment captured Shaq‘s emotional investment in his daughter’s success and showcased the playful, supportive family dynamic that has followed her throughout her basketball journey and now he’s just got another one of those moments.
Over a year later, Me’Arah‘s achievements were further commemorated with the release of a Topps collectible card featuring her in the McDonald’s All-American uniform, and when the signed card debuted, O’Neal shared his excitement.
“Oh, my baby card! It’s dope,” Shaq said via Pullmax, his reaction reflected the pride of a father witnessing his child reach a major landmark, something he himself has experienced on the court for nearly two decades.
Me’Arah first began drawing national attention while playing for Episcopal High School in Houston, and ranked No. 33 nationally by ESPN, she was selected for the McDonald’s All-American game, held at the Toyota Center.
Despite strong hometown support, the East defeated the West 98-74. Shaquille initially hoped his daughter might follow in his footsteps by playing for LSU, but Me’Arah chose Florida, another Southeastern Conference school.
During her freshman season with the Gators, she averaged 4.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, helping Florida to a 16-17 record, including matchups against her father’s alma mater.
The televised McDonald’s All-American celebration included a memorable segment where Shaq challenged his co-host, Kenny Smith, to a three-point shootout against Me’Arah – and despite Barkley‘s protests, Smith participated.
Naturally he lost and bowed in respect to the young athlete as her composure and talented skills on the hardwood court impressed both her father and the show’s audience, her swish from behind the three-point line prompting a jubilant celebration with the hosts.
Roy Jones Jr agrees to participate in Shaq‘s next fight
O’Neal is preparing for a return to the boxing ring, more than 15 years after his last exhibition bouts against Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley in 2009 and 2010 as the 7-foot-1 NBA legend is reportedly set to face Charlie Mack.
Will Smith’s former bodyguard and a Philadelphia icon will take on the ex hooper in a potential fight that has not yet been officially signed but will no doubt catch the attention of fans.
And ahead of the matchup, boxing great Roy Jones Jr. has expressed interest in taking on an officiating role.
“If that jumps off. I will definitely be the referee. Without question,” Jones Jr. told TMZ. Jones Jr. has prior experience in celebrity boxing events, including a 2021 fight against Mike Tyson and his involvement could elevate the spectacle.
Previous high-profile boxing events featuring stars such as Snoop Dogg and Jake Paul drew nearly one million pay-per-view buys, suggesting this bout could be a major commercial attraction.
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