Sacramento State University has secured NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal as its men’s basketball general manager, sending shockwaves through college basketball. The Hall of Famer has agreed to take on this voluntary role with the Hornets program, coinciding with his son Shaqir’s transfer to play under newly appointed head coach Mike Bibby.
The unprecedented partnership brings together former NBA rivals Shaq and Bibby, who famously battled during the heated Lakers-Kings playoff series of the early 2000s. This surprising collaboration aims to revitalize a struggling program that finished last season with a dismal 7-25 record and has never reached the NCAA tournament since joining Division I in 1991.
Shaq and Bibby: From Rivals to Rebuilders
The Shaq-Bibby alliance represents a dramatic shift for Sacramento State’s basketball fortunes. Bibby, appointed head coach on March 25, 2025, following 14 years of an NBA career, quickly made his mark by securing Shaqir O’Neal as his first recruit. The second-generation star arrives with growing potential, averaging 6.7 points and 3.2 rebounds at Florida A&M last season.
Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to become the men’s basketball general manager of Sacramento State, sources tell ESPN. It will be a voluntary role for Shaq, whose son, Shaqir O’Neal, also plays for Sac State under Mike Bibby. Shaq and Bibby form a star duo as college GM and coach. pic.twitter.com/3F2NQBbhf7
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 29, 2025
“Me and Shaq have a good relationship. It probably wasn’t good when we were playing against each other” Bibby reflected during his first press conference as Hornets coach. “There was a lot of try to get a rivalry going to make it big time in the league.”
Bibby’s transition from NBA star to college coach adds strategic knowledge from his playing days running the point for Sacramento’s most successful teams.
NBA Stars Turning College Executives
O’Neal joins a growing trend of NBA figures transitioning to college basketball front offices. In March 2025, Stephen Curry became the first active NBA player to take on an administrative role as assistant GM at Davidson, while Atlanta Hawks stars Trae Young and Terance Mann accepted similar positions at Oklahoma and Florida State, respectively.
The movement reflects college basketball’s evolution toward NBA-style operations. Former Kings assistant GM Wes Wilcox now leads Utah’s front office, while Adrian Wojnarowski left ESPN to become St. Bonaventure’s general manager. These hirings directly respond to NIL and transfer portal challenges that demand professional management approaches and star power for recruiting leverage.
Building from Rock Bottom to Respectability
After decades of struggles, Sacramento State’s basketball program sits at a historical crossroads. With just two winning seasons since joining Division I in 1991, the Hornets ranked 347th nationally in scoring defense and 319th in three-point shooting last season, highlighting fundamental issues demanding immediate attention.
The arrival of Shaq brings unparalleled basketball credibility to a program desperately seeking relevance. His previous experience as the Kings’ minority owner (2013-2022) and current role with the Kings Guard Gaming provide valuable management background. The program’s upcoming new basketball facility, set to open in fall 2025, provides the physical infrastructure to match this new basketball brainpower.
The O’Neal connection transforms Sacramento State’s recruiting potential overnight. While Shaqir brings legitimate talent, including a career-high of 26 points against Trinity Baptist and a double-double versus Alcorn State, his father’s involvement could help the Hornets compete for higher-caliber prospects in a conference dominated by Montana and Eastern Washington.
For a program perpetually fighting for attention in California’s crowded basketball landscape, Shaq’s arrival represents more than just a staffing decision; instead, it’s a cultural revolution as he transitions into his first collegiate management position, the basketball world watches to see if the man who dominated NBA courts for decades can bring that same winning formula to the challenging terrain of college basketball rebuilding.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
