Me’Arah O’Neal will be in Florida soon.

 

 

Me’Arah, 17, the youngest child of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, declared her allegiance to the University of Florida on Sunday.

 

Me’Arah confirmed her decision on Instagram, posting a video and several photographs. On Sunday, Me’Arah took part in an Instagram Live, where she spoke with followers while celebrating her decision with family and friends.

“Great day,” she told app users.

ESPN reported on her preference for Florida over LSU, where her father played college football. Me’Arah told the publication that a visit to the University of Florida campus in September reinforced her belief that it was the best option for her.

“I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged,” she told ESPN. “And that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida.”

Me’Arah expressed a desire to perform for Gators head coach Kelly Rae Finley, in particular.”I felt a stronger connection with Coach Kelly than with any of the other institutions that recruited me.” She actually cares about my well-being beyond the courtroom. “That is vital to me,” Me’Arah told ESPN.In an ESPN interview, Shaquille, 51, called his daughter’s visit to LSU “one of the best moments” of his life, but he “tried to stay out of” her university decision.However, I advised her to go where she is needed rather than where she is wanted. Because it may take some time if you get at your desired area and find that there are other people there like you. Shaquille said, “I want [my children] to have their own journey and experiences.

While Me’Arah was looking into colleges, her father “was merely there to support me,” she explained.”I was under self-imposed pressure to achieve a resolution, but I quickly recognized that patience was essential. She went on to say, “I made this decision independently.”In another Instagram post, Me’Arah remarked, “Understanding one’s true self is the greatest aspect of maturing.”Shaunie, Me’Arah’s mother, shared a video in which the Florida-bound athlete thanked her friends and family for their support. “Moreover, my siblings have motivated me,” Me’Arah concluded.

Following her statement, Me’Arah reposted multiple messages from acquaintances and family members. “Let’s gooooo,” her sibling Myles said in response to the post.”Proud of you,” said USC basketball superstar Bronny James, whose father is NBA superstar LeBron James