NCAA basketball and football can wait their turn because college volleyball has a new winner. The game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Texas Longhorns highlighted some of the best moments of the sport. But the one moment ruling the internet now features a former NBA big and his daughter. Asjia O’Neal, who represents the Longhorns, was the star of the show.
With an impeccable performance in a do-or-die game, the youngster served some hot shots to give her team the advantage at a crucial moment. With a hard earned championship, appreciations are pouring out from all around the corner, which includes her father’s former teammate, Reggie Miller and Isiah Thomas as well.
Former Pacers legend’s daughter takes over the family legacy
It has been a 10-year dream for Asjia O’Neal to win the national championship. She was a 13-year-old when she saw the Longhorns win a national championship. That is exactly when she decided she wanted to suit up for the Texas side. This is indeed a full-circle moment for her and the proudest dad today would be Jermaine O’Neal.
The 2002 Most Improved Player retired in 2014, right when Asjia started playing volleyball. Ever since, the 45-year-old has been a pillar of support for his daughter. In a motive to continue the family’s sports legacy, Asjia and her dad fought hard to earn a spot on the Texas team.
After working hard for 10 years, Asjia’s dream championship came true last year when Texas overcame Louisville. A year later, O’Neal and her team secured a two-peat by winning the 2023 NCAA championship as well. Of course, her father was there to witness the moment live. A video showcased Jermaine O’Neal hugging his daughter who was in happy tears as he kissed her head.
A former Indian Pacers teammate of O’Neal, Reggie Miller, shared on his Instagram, “Congrats @asjiaoneal on your back-to-back Natty championship, beautiful moment here…proud of you guys”
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2x NBA champion Isiah Thomas also reshared the video of the dad-daughter moment, to show his appreciation for the former NBA veteran’s family legacy. With Asjia at the helm now, Mr. O’Neal can probably rest easy.
Why is this a special championship for Asjia O’Neal?
For starters, Asjia served a game-winning ace to seal the championship game. Apart from the game point, the 24-year-old gave her team a lead with 4 continuous aces which was the turning point for Longhorns.
Now Texas has won back-to-back championships. But there was another record that was broken at the Amalie Arena yesterday.
The game during the afternoon recorded a massive attendance of 19,727 fans for the championship game. This record was previously seen during the semi-finals of this year, a few days back. Well, Asjia has won it in front of a humongous crowd. No wonder this is even more special for the O’Neals.
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