Sacramento State basketball has entered a new era with two NBA legends taking the helm. Former NBA All-Star Mike Bibby has been appointed head coach, while Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to become the program’s general manager in an unpaid, voluntary role. This high-profile duo brings unprecedented star power to a program that has struggled for decades.
The Hornets have never reached the NCAA Tournament since joining Division I in 1991-92 and posted a disappointing 7-25 record last season under interim coach Michael Czepil. Could this dramatic leadership change orchestrate one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college basketball history and lead Sacramento State to national prominence?
NBA Royalty Takes Control of the Hornets in Sac-Town
Mike Bibby, a 14-year NBA veteran and former Sacramento Kings star, was hired last month to replace Czepil. As an NCAA champion and NBA All-Star, Bibby brings significant coaching experience from high school, the NBA G-League, and international basketball, including five state championships at Shadow Mountain High School.
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
Shaq’s involvement follows a trend of high-profile athletes accepting general manager roles at college programs. NBA star Stephen Curry recently became assistant GM at his alma mater, Davidson, while former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck accepted the GM position at Stanford.
Shaq’s involvement will boost recruiting and raise the program’s profile. Meanwhile, Bibby has already secured his first major recruit, Shaqir O’Neal, Shaq’s son, who averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 rebounds at Florida A&M last season.
Sacramento State president J. Luke Wood, an alum and the youngest president ever appointed in the California State University system, has taken an aggressive approach with athletic programs. The university is slated to open a new, on-campus basketball facility next fall, signaling serious institutional support for the program’s transformation.
Building Sac State From Scratch
The 2025-26 roster reflects a complete overhaul featuring a blend of transfers and young talent. Beyond Shaqir O’Neal, the roster includes EJ Neal from Idaho, also features an international flavor with Australian players Bailey Nunn, Alex Kovatchev and freshman Lachlan Brewer.
Returning players who might be in transfer portal like Michael Wilson, a local product, is expected to see increased minutes and sophomore Kiir Kiir Chol Deng, who brings length and athleticism to the frontcourt, provides some continuity. The diverse roster illustrates the program’s fresh approach to talent acquisition.
RELATED: Sacramento State Stuns College Hoops World, Hires Shaquille O’Neal as Men’s Basketball GM
Sacramento State faces significant challenges in the Big Sky Conference, which is not traditionally a multi-bid league. For the Hornets to reach the national tournament, they would likely need to win the conference tournament, making their path to March Madness particularly challenging.
While a national championship seems improbable given the program’s historical context of only two winning seasons since joining Division I, the foundation for a dramatic turnaround is being established.
With NBA connections, a renovated facility, and an intriguing mix of talent, the Hornets could become far more competitive than their recent 7-25 record suggests.
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