Shaquille O'Neal joins Sacramento State as Men's Basketball General Manager
With NBA legends Mike Bibby and Shaquille O’Neal now leading the charge, Sacramento State’s basketball program is set for a bold transformation — blending star power, experience, and ambition to chase their first NCAA tournament dream.
Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to become the men's basketball general manager of Sacramento State, sources confirmed to KCRA 3's Michelle Dapper. This voluntary, unpaid role marks a significant addition to the university's athletic program. O'Neal's involvement brings a wealth of experience and star power to the team. His son, Shaqir O'Neal, recently transferred to Sacramento State from Florida A&M, further strengthening the family's ties to the program. The university has not yet detailed the specific responsibilities Shaquille O'Neal will undertake in his new position.
Shaqir O'Neal, son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, announced on social media that he verbally committed to play basketball at Sacramento State. Shaqir will be joining the team after transferring from Florida A&M, where he averaged 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over three seasons. In his announcement, Shaqir expressed gratitude to Coach Mike Bibby and the coaching staff for the opportunity. He looks forward to contributing to the program and representing Sacramento State. This commitment comes shortly after Mike Bibby was confirmed as the new head coach for the Hornets.
Sacramento State taps NBA stars Bibby and Shaq to revive men's basketball and boost NCAA success
Sacramento State formally introduced former Sacramento Kings star Mike Bibby as the university's head men's basketball coach. Bibby, who spent half of his 14-year NBA career with the Kings, aims to bring a winning culture to the Hornets. He emphasized his readiness and commitment to the role, stating, "I'm just ready. I've been ready for this a long time." The Hornets finished the previous season with a 7–25 record, and Bibby is determined to improve the team's performance. His hiring is part of the university's broader efforts to elevate its collegiate sports presence.
The addition of Shaquille O'Neal as general manager and Mike Bibby as head coach signifies a strategic move by Sacramento State to enhance its men's basketball program. O'Neal's extensive experience in the NBA and Bibby's coaching background are expected to attract top talent and improve the team's competitiveness. The university has been investing in its athletic programs, including the construction of a new football stadium, to raise its profile in collegiate sports. These high-profile appointments are seen as a step toward achieving greater success in NCAA competitions. The community and fans are hopeful that these changes will lead to a revitalized basketball program.
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Shaquille O’Neal joins Sacramento State to boost Hornets basketball with NBA experience.
Shaquille O'Neal's involvement in Sacramento State's basketball program is part of a broader trend of former NBA players taking on roles in collegiate athletics. This movement reflects a growing emphasis on leveraging professional experience to develop college-level sports programs. O'Neal's presence is anticipated to bring increased visibility and credibility to the Hornets. His role, although voluntary, is expected to have a significant impact on the team's operations and recruitment strategies. The collaboration between O'Neal and Bibby is poised to create a dynamic leadership team for Sacramento State.
Shaquille O’Neal brings star power and leadership to Sacramento State as the new men's basketball general manager, alongside head coach Mike Bibby. Photo: ESPN
The Sacramento State Hornets men's basketball team represents California State University, Sacramento, in the Big Sky Conference. Despite being members since 1996, the Hornets have yet to play in the NCAA Division I Tournament or the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The team is currently coached by Mike Bibby, with Shaquille O'Neal serving as the general manager. The program has a history of participation in the NCAA Division II Tournament, with appearances in 1959, 1962, 1970, and 1988. The recent high-profile appointments aim to elevate the team's performance and achieve new milestones in Division I basketball.