Just a few weeks’ time and Me’arah O’Neal will be playing in the first major tournament of her basketball career. Yep, NCAA March Madness is almost upon us. And it seems Shaquille O’Neal’s 18-year-old daughter is gathering all the family support she can. Shaquille O’Neal, following his superstition of not watching his kids’ games, will likely stay away from his daughter ahead of her upcoming games. Amid such circumstances, Shaunie Henderson seems to have taken charge to extend much-needed love and support to her daughter.
Shaunie recently made sure Me’Arah felt all the love, showing up in Texas to watch her play. And she didn’t come alone—she brought a whole cheer squad with her. Taking to Instagram, she shared a heartwarming carousel of photos and videos from their visit after Me’Arah’s game against the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns in a Southeastern Conference showdown.
Shaunie Henderson’s post featured several snapshots of her and Me’Arah together, along with some adorable moments between the freshman baller and the young kids of the Austin Spurs head coach, Scott King. The family has been known to have a close bond with Shaunie Henderson. As for her reunion with her daughter, Henderson celebrated by expressing gratitude for the chance to catch Me’Arah play.
“Last weekend in Austin, Texas with family… We all got to watch @mearahoneal_ play and loved on her after the game. March has started off just right [heart emoji],” she captioned the IG post, capturing the excitement of the visit.
For those keeping track, Me’Arah is the youngest of the four children that Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie Henderson share. She’s had a subpar start to her freshman season at the University of Florida, averaging just 5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 40.7 percent across 28 games. These are not the kind of numbers you’d expect from the daughter of the former Los Angeles Lakers star, but Shaunie is supporting her 18-year-old to make great strides.
And this support has nearly been constant ever since Me’Arah’s debut in college basketball with the Gators.
Shaunie Henderson’s support for Me’Arah and Shaqir paid off with a win for both her kids
Shaquille O’Neal’s kids are making their mark on the court, and their biggest cheerleader, Shaunie Henderson, has been a constant cheerleader for her kids during their debut year of college basketball.
It was just last month that before Me’Arah and Shaqir O’Neal suited up for their respective games against the Texas A&M Aggies and the Alcorn State Braves, their mom made sure to hype them up. “It’s GAME DAY!! @mearahoneal_ @shaqironeall 8⃣#GoGators #GoRattlers…,” she wrote on Instagram.
The best part? Both Shaqir and Me’Arah delivered. Me’arah put up seven points, one assist, and two rebounds, while Shaqir dominated with 12 points, two assists, and 10 rebounds. And now, with March Madness approaching us, fans could see more of Shaunie Henderson on the courtside.
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