Sac State Goes Shaq State
In 2025 Sacramento State welcomed NBA all-star Shaquille O’Neal as the general manager for their men’s basketball program during the 2025 2026 season. More commonly known to the public as Shaq, the basketball player is one of the most famous athletic figures out there after making a name for himself throughout his 19-year basketball career.
During his time in the NBA, Shaq played for six teams including the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat, the Pheonix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics. His large stature, impressive statistics, and Hall of Fame status make him hard to overlook. He is one of just three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year, which in his case was 2000. He also won Rookie of the Year after his first season.
Life After Basketball
After his departure from the NBA, he took on many other advertising projects and non-profit work with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America. Shaq will be working alongside new coach and former Sacramento Kings player Mike Bibby. His role has been labeled as voluntary, meaning the job is being done unpaid.
This is not the first time Shaq will be a significant part of Sacramento basketball as he was a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings from 2013 through 2022. Some things the athlete will focus on during his time with the team are marketing, recruitment, and overall player development.
The school hopes to strengthen its program after former years of struggle, and it is sure to happen with all the added excitement, attention, and assets that follow the high-profile figure. His son Shaquir O’Neal recently joined the Hornets’ team as well per the request of Bibby who signed him as a transfer from his previous institution. Stingers Up!
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