Shaquille O’Neal, known globally as one of the most dominant forces in NBA history, has built a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court. As of late 2024, the Hall of Famer is a proud father to six children, each carving out their own unique path in the worlds of sports, entertainment, and business.
The question of "how many kids does Shaq have" often comes with a surprising answer, as his family includes five biological children and one stepson, all of whom he considers his own. The latest updates on the O’Neal children show a family deeply rooted in athletic talent, though not all have followed the traditional basketball route, with one becoming a successful DJ and another a marketing professional.
The Complete Biography and Family Tree of Shaquille O'Neal's Six Children
Shaquille O'Neal has six children from two relationships: his former girlfriend, Arnetta Yardbourgh, and his ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson (formerly O'Neal). The O'Neal family tree is a complex and fascinating blend of athletic prowess and entrepreneurial spirit, with four children currently pursuing college or professional sports careers.
- Taahirah O'Neal (Daughter):
- Mother: Arnetta Yardbourgh
- Born: July 19, 1996
- Career: Marketing and Communications Professional; works outside of the sports world.
- Myles B. O'Neal (Stepson):
- Mother: Shaunie Henderson (from a previous relationship)
- Born: May 7, 1997
- Career: Professional DJ, producer, model, and fashion icon.
- Shareef O'Neal (Son):
- Mother: Shaunie Henderson
- Born: January 11, 2000
- Career: Professional Basketball Player (NBA G League, most recently signed with the Sacramento Kings/Stockton Kings organization for the 2024-25 season).
- Amirah "Mimi" O'Neal (Daughter):
- Mother: Shaunie Henderson
- Born: November 13, 2001
- Career: College Basketball Player (Transferred from LSU to Texas Southern University).
- Shaqir O'Neal (Son):
- Mother: Shaunie Henderson
- Born: April 19, 2003
- Career: College Basketball Player (Committed to Texas Southern University).
- Me'arah O'Neal (Daughter):
- Mother: Shaunie Henderson
- Born: May 1, 2206
- Career: High School Basketball Star (Ranked national prospect, committed to play for the Florida Gators).
The O'Neal Children: From NBA Dreams to DJ Booths
While Shaquille O'Neal's shadow is immense, his children have demonstrated a remarkable ability to forge their own identities, often leveraging their father's athletic genes while finding success in diverse fields. The latest news on the O’Neal siblings highlights their individual achievements in 2024.
The Basketball Dynasty: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah
Four of Shaq's children have inherited the basketball bug, but their paths have been anything but easy, demonstrating the intense pressure of following a Hall of Fame father.
Shareef O'Neal: The Professional Journey
Shareef O'Neal, the eldest son, has been on a determined mission to reach the NBA. After a college career that included stops at UCLA and LSU, which was notably interrupted by a serious heart condition that required surgery, he declared for the NBA Draft. While undrafted in 2022, Shareef has continued to pursue his professional dream in the NBA G League, most recently signing an Exhibit-10 contract with the Sacramento Kings organization for the 2024-25 season, playing for their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
Amirah and Shaqir O'Neal: The HBCU Movement
Amirah "Mimi" O'Neal and her younger brother, Shaqir O'Neal, have made a significant statement by choosing to play college basketball at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Amirah, a 6-foot-2 forward, initially played at LSU before transferring to Texas Southern University, where Shaqir also committed. Their decision to attend Texas Southern is part of a growing movement of high-profile athletes choosing HBCUs, and both are expected to be major contributors to the TSU Tigers basketball program.
Me'arah O'Neal: The Next Generation Star
Me'arah O'Neal, the youngest of the O’Neal children, is a highly-touted prospect in women's basketball. As the No. 33 national prospect in her class, her college commitment was a major news story. In a move that made headlines, Me'arah chose the Florida Gators, opting for an SEC rival instead of following her father's legendary footsteps at LSU. Her commitment signals the continuation of the O'Neal name in top-tier college basketball for years to come.
The Mavericks: Myles and Taahirah O'Neal
Not every O'Neal decided to lace up basketball shoes. The two oldest children have found tremendous success in non-sports industries, proving that the O'Neal drive is not limited to the court.
Myles B. O'Neal: DJ and Fashion Icon
Shaq's stepson, Myles B. O'Neal, has become a successful figure in the entertainment world as a professional DJ, producer, and model. Myles has established himself in the house music scene, performing at major festivals and venues. His career trajectory is a unique one, with his musical style being described as tasteful, relevant, and unique. This path is somewhat mirrored by his famous father, who also dabbles in music under the moniker DJ Diesel, though Myles has carved out his own distinct and successful niche.
Taahirah O'Neal: The Business-Minded Leader
Taahirah O'Neal, Shaq's eldest daughter with Arnetta Yardbourgh, has chosen a career path entirely outside the spotlight of professional sports. She is a dedicated marketing and communications professional who has worked with several non-profit organizations. Taahirah's focus on education and a career in marketing and business showcases a different, but equally driven, side of the O'Neal family legacy, emphasizing her selfless and hardworking nature.
Shaq's Controversial Parenting Philosophy: The 'Move Out at 18' Rule
One of the most talked-about aspects of Shaquille O'Neal's family life is his unique and somewhat controversial parenting philosophy, which he has publicly discussed in recent years. This philosophy centers on a distinct set of rules for his sons versus his daughters.
Shaq has stated that his sons are expected to move out of the house and become financially independent by the age of 18. The rule is designed to instill a sense of urgency, hard work, and self-reliance in his boys, pushing them to forge their own careers and not rely on the O'Neal wealth.
However, the rule is different for his daughters. Shaquille O'Neal has repeatedly said that his girls—Taahirah, Amirah, and Me'arah—can stay home for as long as they want. This gender-specific parenting approach, which he says is based on his desire to protect and support his daughters while challenging his sons, has sparked significant debate among fans and parenting experts, but it remains a core tenet of his family's dynamic.
Ultimately, Shaquille O'Neal's six children are a testament to his success as a father. Whether they are pursuing an NBA G League contract, playing Division I college basketball, or building a brand as a world-class DJ, each of the O'Neal kids is actively working to establish a powerful legacy that is entirely their own.
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