Overview
- Me'Arah O'Neal, who announced her decision Monday on Instagram, committed to Kentucky through the NCAA transfer portal.
- O'Neal averaged 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and shot 38.1% from three on 52.9% shooting overall across 33 starts last season at Florida.
- Her size and shooting address Kentucky's need in the paint after Teonni Key and Amelia Hassett left the program, with O'Neal expected to join the rotation next season.
- Kentucky returns All-SEC center Clara Strack and adds UConn transfer Ayanna Patterson, Alabama guard Diana Collins, and three McDonald's All-Americans in Maddyn Greenway, Savvy Swords, and Emily McDonald.
- She entered the portal after Florida fired coach Kelly Rae Finley following a 5-11 SEC slate, in a move that reflects how the transfer portal is speeding up roster rebuilds across women's college basketball.