Shaq to take on GM role for son’s college basketball team

Shaquille O’Neal is taking on a staff role with his son’s college basketball team.

Shams Charania reports that Shaq will be the general manager for Sacramento State basketball. It’s a voluntary role for O’Neal, an NBA legend who played college basketball at LSU.

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

Charania’s report does not detail Shaq’s responsibilities as Sacramento State GM. It has become somewhat common to see big-name athletes take on GM roles at programs where they have connections.

In March, Trae Young was hired as Oklahoma basketball’s assistant GM. OU’s announcement said that Young will be helping with roster planning and building brands for players.

As far as retired professional athletes, Andrew Luck made headlines when he returned to Stanford in a GM position in November. Luck announced the program’s decision in March to dismiss head coach Troy Taylor amid bullying allegations.

Shaq’s connection to Sacramento State is his son, Shaqir O’Neal. The younger O’Neal entered the transfer portal in March. Shaqir is entering Year 5 of his college basketball career after previously playing at Texas Southern and Florida A&M.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.