In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the college basketball landscape, Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA legend and current TNT analyst, has agreed to become the general manager of the Sacramento State Hornets men’s basketball team. This announcement was confirmed by Sacramento State officials on April 29, 2025, following reports from ESPN and other sports news outlets.
O’Neal’s new role comes on the heels of his son, Shaqir O’Neal, transferring to Sacramento State to play under the newly appointed head coach, Mike Bibby. This father-son dynamic adds a unique twist to the Hornets’ program, which is looking to revitalize after a disappointing 7-25 season. The partnership between Shaquille O’Neal and Bibby is particularly noteworthy, as the two were fierce rivals during their playing days, notably clashing in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, where O’Neal’s Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over Bibby’s Sacramento Kings in a thrilling Game 7.
Dr. Luke Wood, the president of Sacramento State, expressed gratitude for the leadership of Coach Mike Bibby, stating, "(I) appreciate the vision and leadership of Coach Mike Bibby." This sentiment reflects the university’s commitment to elevating its athletic programs, especially as it aims to transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) status in the near future.
O’Neal's role is described as voluntary and unpaid, which suggests he will not be involved full-time like many other college GMs. His responsibilities will include assisting with recruiting, navigating name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, and player development both on and off the court, along with marketing and brand deals. This trend of high-profile athletes stepping into college sports roles is becoming increasingly common, with notable examples including Steph Curry at Davidson and Trae Young at Oklahoma.
In recent years, the landscape of college athletics has shifted dramatically due to the introduction of NIL legislation, allowing athletes to profit from their personal brand. This has opened up opportunities for former professional athletes to lend their expertise to college programs, which are eager to attract talent and improve their competitive edge. Sacramento State is no exception, having recently filed an application with the NCAA to become an FBS independent, a move that underscores its ambition to enhance its athletic profile.
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and a 2016 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, brings a wealth of experience to the Hornets. His illustrious career included three championships with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat, making him one of the most recognized figures in basketball history. Beyond his playing days, O’Neal served as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 until he sold his stake in 2022, further solidifying his ties to the Sacramento sports community.
The Hornets, who have struggled historically in NCAA Division I basketball—having not made the NCAA tournament since moving up in 1991—are hopeful that O’Neal's involvement will help attract recruits and elevate the program. With only two winning seasons in the last three decades, including a 21-12 record in 2014-15 and a 16-14 record in 2019-20, the team is eager for a turnaround.
Coach Mike Bibby, a former NBA star himself, was hired last month to lead the Hornets following the resignation of David Patrick, who left to take an assistant coaching position at LSU after a two-year stint. Bibby’s hiring is part of Sacramento State’s broader strategy to reinvigorate its basketball program, and adding a figure like O’Neal can only enhance that effort.
As the Hornets prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. The addition of a Hall of Famer like Shaquille O’Neal is expected to bring not only experience but also a significant boost in visibility and credibility to Sacramento State’s basketball ambitions.
In a world where college sports are increasingly influenced by the financial implications of NIL, having a figure with O’Neal's stature can help navigate these waters effectively. His presence is likely to resonate with potential recruits who are not just looking for a place to play but also for a program that understands the modern landscape of college athletics.
As Sacramento State gears up for what promises to be an exciting season, all eyes will be on O’Neal and Bibby as they work together to elevate the Hornets from the depths of last season’s struggles to a more competitive standing in the Big Sky Conference and beyond. The partnership between a father and son, along with the shared history between O’Neal and Bibby, could prove to be a game-changer for the program.
With new facilities on the horizon and a fresh vision for the future, Sacramento State is poised to make significant strides in college basketball. The Hornets are not just looking to compete; they are aiming to make a statement in the world of college athletics, and with Shaquille O’Neal at the helm as general manager, the possibilities are endless.
