Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, Me’arah O’Neal, is in the middle of preparations for the 2025-26 NCAA season. She joined the Florida Gators women’s basketball team after a visit to the campus convinced her it was the right move for her collegiate career, helping the team to a 19-18 (5-11 in conference) record in her freshman season.
O’Neal and Co. lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (66-52) in the semifinals of the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament. She’s ready to face another challenge with the Gators and is already preparing for her professional future.
After averaging 4.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 35 contests, O’Neal has hit the gym to improve her game. More than that, she’s preparing for the next step in her journey.
Not many college players express their desire to join specific WNBA teams, but O’Neal has a different mindset. She didn’t hesitate to name the city she’d like to represent in the pros.
Me’arah O’Neal identifies where he wants to play in the WNBA
During a Q&A session on Tuesday, O’Neal was asked about one of her goals for the upcoming season. She only used one word to explain the feeling.
Shaquille O’Neal speaks before Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
“Phoenix,” O’Neal responded on an Instagram story, making it clear she wants to play for the Mercury.
The Phoenix Mercury are one of the most iconic franchises in WNBA history. They have won three championships and have had several iconic players such as Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins, among others. O’Neal will have to work hard to reach this goal.
