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Shaq’s Ex-Wife Mingles With Mike Tyson on Daughter Me’Arah O’Neal’s Big Day in Jordan Brand Classic

Published 04/25/2024, 9:56 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Michael Jordan Brand recently had the ‘The Jordan Brand Classic,’ with the annual tournament held in April. Back in 2015, a game for the girls was also added. And now, in 2024, it will be one of the most competitive high school games, which has the potential to boost Nike sales too.

This year, Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, Me’Arah O’Neal, was part of the competition and very well justified why Shaq called her the next big thing in basketball at only 10 at the Jordan Brand Classic. Her mom, Shaunie Henderson, accompanied her and shared a carousel on Instagram about the event.

The founder and CEO of Amirah, Inc. shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the event with the caption, “Jordan Classic! 🗽🏀 #PhotoDump.” And her first photo was with boxing legend Mike Tyson. She also uploaded a video of the busy streets in New York and footage of Me’Arah practicing alongside her teammates. 

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Me’Arah was Team Air and lost a nail-biting game by 103-109 to Team Flight. However, she made a remarkable impression as one of the top scorers in the game. Big sister Amirah was present too, along with Shaunie’s now husband, Pastor Keion Henderson.

Me’Arah O’Neal taking big steps in The Jordan Brand Classic

Me’Arah was already at 16 points by halftime and ended the game at 18 points, second to Kennedy Smith with 21 points. She has achieved many accomplishments by now, of which her father Shaq is proud, and to be part of the Jordan Brand Classic has been her goal since her childhood. Since 7th grade, to be precise. Meezy is also the only O’Neal since Shaq in 1989 to become a McDonald’s All-American. Shareef played in the Jordan Brand Classic too but she’s done both. But what inspired her?

She cited her brothers, Shareef and Shaqir, as her primary inspirations to be a versatile shooter over their dad’s lower post style. Me’Arah has also represented the Florida Gators.

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Jordan Brand does provide shoes and the other gear required for all the athletes during the tournament. Michael Jordan, too, played in the tournament when it was called the Capital Classic. “This is the time of year when all eyes are on basketball. Sarah Mensah, president of the Jordan Brand exclusively shared. “So for us to do this event at this particular time absolutely just helps reinforce the importance the Jordan Brand has within the game.” via Forbes.

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After impressing during the Jordan Brand Classic, it seems that Shaquille O’Neal’s youngest daughter might have the biggest future.

 

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Written by:

Pranav Kotai

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Pranav Kotai is an NBA beat writer at EssentiallySports. With a master's in sports management and a lifelong passion for basketball, Pranav has an eye for understanding NBA like no other. Pranav is an open encyclopedia of all storylines, with a well-rounded approach to his writing, especially for his favorites like NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta