- Shaquille OโNeal becomes general manager for Sacramento Stateโs menโs basketball team, working alongside Mike Bibby.
- OโNealโs 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 OโNeal and Bibby
Shaquille OโNeal 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 menโs basketball team. This new role comes as a surprise to many fans. OโNeal is already busy as a TV analyst on TNTโs Inside the NBA. However, heโs adding more to his schedule to help rebuild a struggling college program. His new position is voluntary, but it carries real weight in todayโs college sports world.
Former NBA Star Mike Bibby Will Coach the Team
OโNeal wonโt be doing this job alone. Heโll be teaming up with another well-known NBA nameโMike Bibby. Bibby was hired as Sacramento Stateโs new head coach just last month. He played 14 years in the NBA and was a star with the Sacramento Kings. Now, heโs 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, OโNeal and Bibby hope to bring success to a team that badly needs it.
Shaqโs Son Also Plays for Sacramento State
Thereโs another personal reason why Shaq may have taken this job. His son, Shaqir OโNeal, now plays for Sacramento State. Shaqir transferred to the school from Florida A&M earlier this year. With Shaq in the general manager seat, heโll get to support his son more closelyโboth as a father and as a leader for the team. This move adds an emotional layer to OโNealโs involvement. Itโs not just about the program. Itโs also about family.
Big Names Are Now Taking On College Sports Roles
OโNealโs 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 Stateโs menโs basketball team finished with a disappointing 7โ25 record. That performance led to the departure of former head coach Michael Czepil. Now, with OโNeal 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 whatโs next.
