Me’Arah, 17, the youngest child of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, declared her allegiance to the University of Florida.

Me’Arah uploaded several pictures and a video to Instagram to formally announce her choice. Me’Arah celebrated her decision with family and friends on Sunday while taking part in an Instagram Live where she conversed with followers.

“Excellent day,” she told app users.

ESPN revealed that she preferred Florida to LSU, the college football team where her father played. Me’Arah told the outlet that she was certain that attending the University of Florida was the best choice for her after seeing the school in September.

She told ESPN, “I felt like I belonged in Florida when I went there on the visit.” “And that if I went to go play at Florida, I was going to be the most successful.”

Me’Arah mentioned how much she wanted to play for Kelly Rae Finley, the head coach of the Gators.”Compared to any other college that recruited me, I felt a stronger connection with Coach Kelly.” She actually cares about my welfare outside of the courtroom. Me’Arah told ESPN, “That is vital to me.”In an ESPN interview, Shaquille, 51, said that his daughter’s visit to LSU was “one of the best moments” of his life, but he “tried to stay out of” her college choice.I did, however, counsel her to travel to places where she is required rather than where she is wanted. Because if you get to the desired spot and there are other people there who are similar to you, it can take some time. “I want [my children] to have their own journey and experience,” declared Shaquille.

While Me’Arah was investigating colleges, her father “was merely there to support me,” she continued.”I had been under self-imposed pressure to reach a conclusion, but I soon realized that patience was what was required. She added, “I made this decision independently.”Another Instagram post by Me’Arah stated, “Understanding one’s true self is the greatest aspect of maturing.”Shaunie, Me’Arah’s mother, uploaded a video in which the Florida-bound athlete expressed gratitude to her friends and family for their support. “Moreover, my siblings have motivated me,” Me’Arah continued.

After her declaration, Me’Arah re-posted a number of comments from family members and friends. Myles, her sibling, responded to the post with, “Let’s gooooo.”NBA player LeBron James’ father, Bronny James, who plays basketball at USC, commented on Me’Arah’s post, saying, “Proud of you.”Me’Arah played basketball for Episcopal High School in Houston.Together with his ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal, Shaquille is the father of four children: sons Shareef and Shaqir, and daughters Amirah and Me’arah. Apart from the stepson Myles that Shaunie’s previous relationship produced, the NBA player is also the guardian of Taahirah, the daughter of his ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh.