The Kentucky women’s basketball have added a major piece to their frontcourt, as Florida transfer Me’Arah O’Neal announced her commitment to Kentucky via Instagram.
O’Neal, the daughter of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, chose the Wildcats over finalists Virginia, North Carolina, and USC, according to Talia Goodman of On3. The 6-foot-4 forward is coming off a strong sophomore season where she averaged 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, showcasing her ability to impact the game on both
ends of the floor.
Head coach Kenny Brooks needed to reload his frontcourt after the departures of Amelia Hassett and Teonni Key, where both used all of their eligibility and were selected in the WNBA Draft. O’Neal steps in as an immediate replacement and is expected to play a key role alongside star Clara Strack. The pairing gives Kentucky a dynamic and versatile frontcourt with size, scoring, and defensive presence.
O’Neal has already proven she can perform on big stages. She scored 23 points against Kentucky last season while shooting 6-of-12 from the field, and recorded a career-high 24 points in a win over Memphis.
Her commitment marks Kentucky’s third transfer addition this offseason, joining UConn transfer Ayanna Patterson and Alabama transfer Diana Collins. With O’Neal now in the fold, the Wildcats’ roster is quickly taking shape as Brooks continues to build a competitive team in Lexington.
