Sacramento, California – Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal is set to take on an exciting new role as the general manager of the Sacramento State men’s basketball program, sources confirmed. This voluntary and unpaid position marks a significant chapter for the Hall of Famer, whose son, Shaqir O’Neal, recently transferred to Sacramento State and will play under newly appointed coach Mike Bibby.
O’Neal is not the only prominent athlete stepping into a managerial position at a university. NBA star Stephen Curry accepted an assistant general manager role at Davidson College, while former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck took on the same position at Stanford University last year.
Sacramento State is poised to unveil a state-of-the-art basketball facility this fall, reflecting the university administration’s ambitious vision for its athletic programs. University President Luke Wood, an alumnus and the youngest president in the California State University system’s history, has been proactive in enhancing the school’s athletic profile, and O’Neal’s involvement underscores this commitment.
Bibby, a veteran of 14 seasons in the NBA and a former standout for the Sacramento Kings, was appointed last month, succeeding Michael Czepil, who stepped in as interim coach during the previous season. Czepil’s tenure was marked by a challenging record of 7-25, and he had taken over for David Patrick, who departed to join the coaching staff at LSU.
The Sacramento State men’s basketball program has struggled historically since its transition to Division I in the 1991-92 season, failing to qualify for the NCAA tournament and managing a winning record only twice in the past three decades. The Hornets achieved their best records in 2014-15 and 2019-20, finishing at 21-12 and 16-14, respectively.
With Shaquille O’Neal’s experience and basketball acumen, many hope he can help bridge the gap between the program’s past struggles and its future potential. His participation could bring not only credibility to the program but also attract talent to Sacramento State, fostering a new era of competitiveness.
As the Hornets prepare for a new season under Bibby’s leadership, the combined efforts of experienced coaches and influential figures like O’Neal may signal a turning point for Sacramento State basketball as it seeks to make its mark in collegiate athletics. Fans eagerly await the upcoming season, hopeful that the infusion of talent and talent will bring greater success to the program.