Shaq O’Neal takes GM role at Sacramento State

BOSTON: Sacramento State has made a giant addition to its basketball program — in every sense of the word. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has been named the team’s new general manager, a position he will fill without pay, according to reports from ESPN and the Sacramento Bee.

The 7-foot-1 NBA legend already had a personal connection to the school: his son, Shaqir O’Neal, recently transferred to Sacramento State after previous stops at Texas Southern and Florida A&M.

O’Neal, 53, also has local ties, having been a part-owner of the Sacramento Kings after his playing career. His move into the collegiate ranks comes at a time when schools are adapting to the evolving landscape shaped by name, image and likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal — areas where O’Neal’s experience and stature could prove invaluable.

A four-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star, O’Neal brings a wealth of knowledge from a storied career that spanned six teams. His influence is expected to help elevate Sacramento State’s program both on and off the court.