Kenny Brooks and the Kentucky Wildcats have been in the transfer portal market for frontcourt help this offseason, and on Monday, they landed some, and it's a fun one. Me'Arah O'Neal will suit up for the Cats next year after announcing her decision on Monday.
O'Neal comes over to Kentucky from the Florida Gators, where she spent her first two collegiate seasons. She is a 6'4" forward who was rated four stars out of high school by ESPN. She's also the daughter of NBA and SEC legend Shaquille O'Neal.
Having a famous dad isn't what makes her a big addition to Kentucky. She's a great player in her own right. Last season, she averaged 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 38% from three-point range. She started all 33 games for the Gators, and her versatility made her a key part of what they did.
Kentucky lost both Teonni Key and Amelia Hassett this season, and needed to find someone to replace some of that production. O'Neal certainly does a lot of what those players did. It's another solid addition to the team, and one that can provide immediate help. With All-SEC center Clara Strack and a trio of McDonald's All-Americans, O'Neal becomes a part of a talented rotation capable of playing with any team in the country.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky WBB gets transfer portal commit from Me'Arah O'Neal
