DiDi Richards says her mom, Ungeanetta, is loving the newfound attention she’s getting after the Baylor alum went 17th overall to the Liberty in the 2021 WNBA Draft.
Richards, during the Liberty’s media day, was asked how her mom is handing being in the spotlight — specifically after Shaquille O’Neal called her “fine” on “Inside The NBA” in April.
“My mom’s beautiful and I know that, and it’s just good to see the world take that in,” Richards told reporters. “She’s the face behind the face, and no one ever gets to see that. And I’m just happy that she got her little shine. She loves it. My mom loves the attention. So as long as she loves it, I love it.”
O’Neal, who’s been divorced from ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal since 2011, tried to shoot his shot with Ungeanetta on the day before the draft. Her daughter appeared on “Inside the NBA” to discuss her inspiring NCAA comeback after suffering a spinal cord injury in October that resulted in temporary paralysis.
At one point, Ungeanetta made a brief appearance in the background of Richards’ interview, and immediately caught O’Neal’s attention.
“Hey D-Wade,” O’Neal called to fellow co-host Dwyane Wade, “I got a new website called ‘damn yo momma fine.’”
The TNT crew, including Richards, had a good laugh over the comment, with the Liberty star even applauding O’Neal’s swift move on her mom.
Meanwhile, co-host Candace Parker chimed in to note that Ungeanetta looked “ageless” in the TV appearance.
During WNBA media day, DiDi credited her mom for telling her that she can still be girly, with her nails and hair done, while playing basketball at a high level.