Shaq’s daughter Me’arah O’Neal drops 2 words of encouragement for LSU’s 5-star target Kaleena Smith
Shaquille O'Neal’s daughter Me’arah O’Neal dropped words of encouragement for LSU’s top target Kaleena Smith on Tuesday. O’Neal hyped up the five-star point guard in the comment section of an Instagram post from SportsCenter NEXT.
O'Neal, a point guard for the Florida Gators, showed her recognition of the Ontario (California) Christian School guard, who is the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class. (Shaquille O'Neal starred at LSU.)
"Real Deal," O'Neal wrote.
The sophomore has been touted by many to be the next big prospect out of high school after recently signing her first NIL deal with Adidas. The agreement makes her the first high school girls basketball player to do so. The phenomenon will be under the tutelage of seven-time WNBA All-Star Candace Parker, who is the president of Adidas women's basketball.
Kaleena Smith and Candace Parker express mutual respect after Adidas deal
In what is said to be the signing for the future, Adidas may have started to reap the rewards now. The sportswear giant signed Candace Parker, one of the greatest WNBA players of all time as its president of women's basketball and has now secured one of the hottest high school prospects in Kaleena Smith.
"I embrace any opportunity to challenge myself and improve my game, and I believe that's what has fostered the confidence and skill I have on the court," Smith said in a statement.
"I'm blessed to be part of something Candace is creating, and to get to do that with a brand like Adidas who is taking a different approach to play a role to help grow the game for players like me.”
Candace Parker was likewise full of praise and respect for Kaleena in her statement.
"When I think about the future of women's basketball, it's clear that it's in good hands with hoopers like Kaleena," Parker said. "Not only is she a tenacious competitor on the court, she's also someone who understands what's required off it and is committed to putting in the work. We couldn't be prouder to welcome her to the sisterhood of talented women who make up Adidas Women's Basketball."
Kaleena Smith has a well of wisdom to drink from Candace Parker.