Shaquille O’Neal Named GM For Sacramento State’s Basketball Program

Shaquille O’Neal Named GM For Sacramento State’s Basketball Program

There have been a multitude of former NBA and NFL players who have taken the general manager role at their respective alma maters. Two active players such as Trae Young (Oklahoma) and Stephen Curry (Davidson) have accepted this new job.

Now, the legendary Shaquille O’Neal has accepted the GM position at Sacramento State. This is a big-time hire for a college that is doing everything in its power to move up the collegiate ranks.

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

The purpose of the GM role is to hire someone who can act as a buffer between the players and the head coach with all the new NIL rules. These former players can help to navigate the new college landscape with recruiting, the transfer portal and bigger NIL deals. 

O’Neal was a four-time NBA Champion with three Finals MVPs and one MVP. He achieved a lot of his feats playing for the Sacramento Kings’ rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. However, this is not his first time interacting with Sacramento on the business side, as he was a minority owner of the Kings from 2013 to 2022. 

Report: Kings not expected to tear down roster this offseason

Sacramento State made headlines earlier this year when it hired former Kings guard Mike Bibby to be its next head coach. Also, Shaqir O’Neal will play for the Hornets next year, which may be another reason why Shaq took the job. 

Sacramento State hired Brennan Marion, who runs an innovative “Go-Go” style offense, to be the next head coach of the football program. The school also announced plans for a new, upgraded football stadium. Sacramento State is trying to level up in the collegiate sports landscape as it tries to join a bigger conference, whether that be the Mountain West or the PAC. Furthermore, Shaquille O’Neal is another big name that will draw attention to the sports programs and the university.

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