After a successful victory as the GM at the All-Star games in 2025, Shaquille O’Neal will once again reprise that role. This time it will not be for NBA teams, but at the collegiate level. Earlier news broke that the 4x NBA champion has agreed to become the general manager of the Sacramento State men’s basketball team. Too many questions are unanswered about the role, so Sac State’s athletic director discussed Shaq’s role at length and provided key details.

Mark Orr spoke about this on Fox40 News, and the first question was about who swayed the Big Aristotle in agreeing to this role. “Yeah, I think first, it’s quite frankly, it’s Mike Bibby. Coach Bibby’s had a long-time relationship with Shaquille, and we’re fortunate to be able to capitalize on that,” said Orr. He also called O’Neal “a great role model.” Not only because of his winning resume on the court, but due to off-court success as well.

So, who better than Shaquille O’Neal for the student-athletes to look up to? “Obviously, successful businessman, entrepreneur, and there’s so much that our student athletes can learn from him. So, certainly being a role model and a mentor to our student athletes,” felt the athletic director. In the growing world of NIL and more students entering the transfer portal, the Lakers’ legend’s name might be the right pull.

“His success in business, you know, he post playing career and even in his playing career with the endorsements is what he’s done in investments. With today’s NCAA name, image, and likeness and NIL space, opportunities for Sacramento State to generate revenue, not only for our athletic program and our university but also for student athletes, is another area that I think Shaq can add a lot to us,” said Orr. Plus, there is another space where the new GM could potentially help.

The Athletic Director also wants Shaquille O’Neal’s expertise for “in-game entertainment.“ After all, DJ Diesel is known for sellout crowds and atmosphere like no other. More importantly, this role from the LSU alum will be a “voluntary” role.

Shaquille O’Neal joins his son and the NBA rival

Last month, Shaqir O’Neal transferred to Sacramento State from Florida State. The junior forward will play for the third team in his collegiate career. For the first two years, he was part of Texas Southern, but could only manage to get 1 start each in those two seasons. That’s why he left the Tigers and joined Florida A&M last season. Shaqir would start 17 games, went on to play 17.1 minutes, and averaged 6.7 points per game. But now he is part of Mike Bibby‘s plans.

The former Kings player had his fair share of battles with Shaquille O’Neal. The Lakers legend once questioned Bibby’s legitimacy as a top player. But water is under the bridge after their playing days were over. The 4x NBA champion is not the only one returning to the college ranks. Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young are prominent NBA figures to take on a general manager role at the college level.

Yes, both Curry and Young accepted assistant general manager roles at their alma maters, Davidson and Oklahoma, respectively. Plus, the decision for O’Neal to become the first general manager for first-year coach Mike Bibby will also allow him to be around his son. Remember, Shaq is studying sport psychology as well, so the role becomes a perfect fit for him.