Sports
Shaquille O’Neal is taking on a surprising new challenge in the world of college basketball. The NBA Hall of Famer, who has built a successful second career as an analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA, has accepted a voluntary role as the general manager of Sacramento State’s men’s basketball team.
The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, adds yet another chapter to O’Neal‘s wide-ranging post-playing career. It also reunites him with a familiar face: former Sacramento Kings star Mike Bibby, who was named head coach of the program last month.
Shaquille O’Neal has to use the bathroom during a live show: “Take some matches”
The unexpected move means O’Neal, will not only be assisting in building a college basketball program, but will also have the opportunity to work closely with his son, Shaqir O’Neal.
Shaqir recently transferred to Sacramento State from Florida A&M, providing a unique opportunity for father and son to share the court – at least from a coaching and mentoring standpoint.
O’Neal joins growing list of sports stars stepping into GM roles
The role of general manager has become an increasingly common feature in college athletics, particularly with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals that have reshaped how student-athletes navigate their careers. Several former and current sports stars have recently taken on similar positions.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck now serves as GM for Stanford’s football program, while NBA stars Trae Young and Stephen Curry have taken on assistant GM roles at Oklahoma and Davidson, respectively.
O’Neal’s new appointment at Sacramento State reflects the growing trend of big-name athletes lending their experience, branding, and leadership to collegiate programs.
Though Shaq has never held a front office position before, he did spend nearly a decade (2013 to 2022) as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
This news was originally published on this post .
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