- Shaquille O’Neal becomes general manager for Sacramento State’s men’s basketball team, working alongside Mike Bibby.
- O’Neal’s son, Shaqir, plays for Sacramento State, adding a personal connection to the role.
- The team aims to recover from a rough 7-25 season with the leadership of O’Neal and Bibby
Shaquille O’Neal has taken on a new challenge in the world of college basketball. The NBA Hall of Famer, known for his legendary career with the Lakers, is now the general manager of the Sacramento State men’s basketball team. This new role comes as a surprise to many fans. O’Neal is already busy as a TV analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA. However, he’s adding more to his schedule to help rebuild a struggling college program. His new position is voluntary, but it carries real weight in today’s college sports world.
Former NBA Star Mike Bibby Will Coach the Team
O’Neal won’t be doing this job alone. He’ll be teaming up with another well-known NBA name—Mike Bibby. Bibby was hired as Sacramento State’s new head coach just last month. He played 14 years in the NBA and was a star with the Sacramento Kings. Now, he’s bringing his experience to the college court. Bibby has some coaching history at the high school level, including time at Shadow Mountain and Hillcrest Prep. This will be his first big opportunity at the college level. Together, O’Neal and Bibby hope to bring success to a team that badly needs it.
Shaq’s Son Also Plays for Sacramento State
There’s another personal reason why Shaq may have taken this job. His son, Shaqir O’Neal, now plays for Sacramento State. Shaqir transferred to the school from Florida A&M earlier this year. With Shaq in the general manager seat, he’ll get to support his son more closely—both as a father and as a leader for the team. This move adds an emotional layer to O’Neal’s involvement. It’s not just about the program. It’s also about family.
Big Names Are Now Taking On College Sports Roles
O’Neal’s new role is part of a growing trend. College sports programs are now bringing in big names to help manage teams. The NIL era has changed everything. Schools need experienced, recognizable figures to guide players and handle business off the court. Former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is now general manager at Stanford. NBA star Trae Young holds the same role at Oklahoma. Stephen Curry is doing it at Davidson, his alma mater. These roles may be new, but they are already changing the game in college sports.
Sacramento State Had a Rough Season Last Year
The Hornets need a fresh start. Last season, Sacramento State’s men’s basketball team finished with a disappointing 7–25 record. That performance led to the departure of former head coach Michael Czepil. Now, with O’Neal as general manager and Bibby as head coach, the school hopes to turn things around. The two former NBA stars bring leadership, experience, and attention to the program. Fans and players alike are excited to see what’s next.
