Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is set to become the general manager of Sacramento State’s basketball program — and he’s doing it without pay, according to ESPN and the Sacramento Bee.
O’Neal’s ties to the school grew stronger after his son, Shaqir, transferred to Sacramento State last month following stints at Texas Southern and Florida A&M. Shaq also has history with the area, having previously been a part-owner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
The general manager role is a recent addition in college sports, emerging as schools adapt to the new realities brought by name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules and the rise of the transfer portal.
The 53-year-old O’Neal, a 15-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA champion, is widely known for his dominant career with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and several other teams. He has also been a longtime commentator on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” since retiring in 2011.
Sacramento State recently hired former Kings star Mike Bibby as head coach, despite his lack of college coaching experience. The Hornets struggled last season, finishing 7-25 under interim coach Michael Czepil after David Patrick departed to join LSU’s staff.