Shaquille O'Neal to Be GM of Sacramento State CBB, Son Shaqir Signed for HC Mike Bibby

Shaquille O'Neal is going back to school.

The NBA legend has agreed to become the Sacramento State men's basketball general manager, per ESPN's Shams Charania. According to Charania, the role will be unpaid and voluntary.

O'Neal's son, Shaqir O'Neal, transferred to Sacramento State from Florida A&M in March to play for NBA icon Mike Bibby, who took over as the Hornets' head coach this offseason.

O'Neal joining Sacramento State follows a trend of athletes and former athletes taking on collegiate general manager positions in the age of NIL. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry last month accepted a general manager position at his alma mater, Davidson, while Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young took on the same position for Oklahoma. Last year, former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck was named general manager at Stanford.

As more teams bring in general managers for their teams, it seems inevitable that more professional athletes will take on GM roles.

According to ABC 10's Kevin John, some of O'Neal's responsibilities will include mentoring athletes and helping them transition to the NBA. He'll also help with recruiting, sponsorships and in-game entertainment.

Sacramento State has had just two winning seasons over the last decade and is coming off a 7-25 season.

Bibby, who played for the Sacramento Kings from 2001 to 2008, took over as head coach after Michael Czepil's sole season as the team's interim head coach. Bibby previously spent time as an assistant coach in the G League and as an assistant coach for the Puerto Rican National Team.

Sacramento State has never reached an NCAA Tournament, but with star power in O'Neal and Bibby, the Hornets could attract some high-level recruits and finally make the big dance.