Shaquille O’Neal is heading back to the hardwood—but this time, from the front office.
The NBA Hall of Famer has agreed to become the general manager of Sacramento State’s men’s basketball team, according to multiple reports. While the role is unpaid, it’s already making waves in the college basketball world—especially with Shaq’s son, Shaqir O’Neal, set to suit up for the Hornets this upcoming season.
A Struggling Program Gets a Star-Powered Boost
The move adds major star power to a program long overshadowed in Division I hoops. Sacramento State has never reached the NCAA Tournament and has only posted a winning record twice since joining Division I in 1991. Last season, the Hornets limped to a 7-25 finish under interim head coach Michael Czepil.
But change is in the air.
The Bibby-Shaq Duo Forms a New Era
Shaq’s arrival comes on the heels of another headline-making hire: Mike Bibby, a former Sacramento Kings star and 14-year NBA veteran, was named the team’s new head coach in March. Bibby takes over a program eager for revival and now has a basketball icon backing him up in the GM seat.
Though Shaq’s responsibilities haven’t been fully detailed, his experience, connections, and charisma are expected to make a significant impact—both on recruiting and team culture. And with his son now part of the roster, there’s an added layer of motivation.
Sacramento State’s Bold Vision
Sacramento State President Luke Wood, the youngest ever to lead a school in the California State University system, has taken an aggressive approach to elevating the school’s athletic profile. A new basketball facility is already in the works for next fall, signaling an institutional push for excellence.
Shaq Joins a New Trend in College Sports
Shaq joins a growing list of superstar athletes stepping into collegiate front office roles. Just last month, Steph Curry became assistant GM at Davidson, while Andrew Luck returned to Stanford in a similar capacity in 2024. With Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Bibby teaming up, Sacramento State is no longer just a blip on the basketball radar—it’s suddenly a program worth watching.
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