Me’Arah surprised sports pundits by not committing to LSU, where her father became a star.
Me’Arah, 17, chose Florida over LSU, where her father and older brother Shareef played in college.
“And that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida.
Credit:Rich Fury/Getty Images
She really cares about me not just on the court but off the court.
That’s important for me.
Me’Arah visited LSU andKim Mulkeys championship-winning Tigerswith her father last spring.
“But believe it or not, I tried to stay out of it.
… What I did tell her is, ‘Go where you’re needed, not where you’re wanted.
I want [my kids] to have their own journey, have their own experience.”
“My family was just there to support me, Me’Arah told the outlet.
I was pressuring myself to make a decision, but I learned I had to be patient.
And I did make this decision on my own.
“We are thrilled that Me’Arah is a Gator,” Finley said.
“We can’t wait to welcome her and her family to Gainesville.
Her humble nature and team-first mentality make her the total package.”
