During the 2016 Hall of Fame induction, Shaquille O’Neal made a huge proclamation about her youngest: “She works out with my sons, and I think it’s fair to say, one day, if she continues, Me’Arah will be the best women’s basketball player ever.” Fast-forward to 2024, and Meezy has started her NCAA journey with a bang. Despite living away from her parents in Florida, she still celebrated them on Thanksgiving.

She added a 10-slide carousel on her Instagram and wrote, “grateful♾️.” It featured her mother, Shaunie, and her husband, Keion Henderson. Plus Me’Arah added photos with her siblings and friends, and one hugging her father Shaquille O’Neal. This year, the Thanksgiving celebration fell right after the family celebrated Shaunie Henderson’s birthday.

The 18-year-old added, “I am where I am today, entirely because of you. I am wholeheartedly grateful to be able to call you my momma. The strongest most beautiful woman I know. @iamshaunie I love you, happy birthday.” The executive producer of Basketball Wives reshared the story. “I love you more, baby girl. Thank you.” Shaunie Henderson was also present during her daughter’s debut game.

Meanwhile, Shaquille O’Neal was in attendance for Shaqir’s debut game, in which he could only score 2 points. But in the fifth and latest game of the season, he scored his highest total of the season, 26 points. Similarly for Me’Arah, the first two games were nothing to rave about. But she popped off in the third game, scoring 18 points in 17 minutes, with 8 rebounds. Her FG% and 3-point shooting% were at  66.67%.

So how quickly a year has passed for the Gators’ star and her family, because around Thanksgiving last year, she made a huge commitment.

Following the path of Shaquille O’Neal but her own way

Last year, Me’Arah was struck with a weird dilemma. Being ranked no. 33 in the 2024 recruiting class, she had an offer from her father’s alma mater, LSU, and other programs, including Florida Gators. Eventually, the Episcopal High School graduate chose the latter. “I’ve known since the Florida visit.“

Meezy continued, “It was kinda fun because everyone thought I was going to LSU, so I was dragging it on a little bit.” And on her signing day, her parents. Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie Henderson had a great surprise for her. A brand new White Range Rover, pointing towards the fact that Me’Arah was ready to take control of her new chapter. That’s why she was thankful for her parent’s sacrifices.

“He sacrificed a light just for me to play basketball. My mom as well, you know she’s a busy woman but she still sacrifices a lot and she’s at pretty much almost every single one of my games.” That’s why a year on from the decision, she is living her life on her own, still grateful for her parents’ support through thick and thin.