Shortly following the news that former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby will be taking over as head coach of the Sacramento State men’s basketball program, a big name has committed to join the Hornets for the upcoming season.
Shaqir O’Neal, son of Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal, announced on social media this week that he has committed to join Sacramento State for the 2025-26 season.
“I am incredibly grateful to Coach Bibby and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and offering this opportunity,” Shaqir shared on Instagram about his decision. “I look forward to contributing to the program and representing Sacramento State.”
O’Neal, a 6’8, 200-pound senior, is a transfer from Florida A&M, where he averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent from three-point range during the 2024-25 season.
More on Sacramento State & Mike Bibby
Mike Bibby took the stage at Sacramento State this week as the university introduced him as the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.
Bibby, a longtime member of the Sacramento Kings from 2001-2008, took the stage with Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood and Athletic Director Mark Orr for an introduction that ushered in a new era of Hornets basketball.
“Today is a defining moment for Sacramento State and the city of Sacramento,” Wood said. “Mike Bibby is a name that resonates with every level of basketball… Mike isn’t just a basketball legend, he’s a Sacramento legend. He understands the spirit of this place.”
Following opening remarks from Wood and Orr, Bibby took to the podium after holding up a green-and-gold number 10 Hornets jersey.
“I’ve been coaching my son since he was nine years old, and I never thought that it would come this far,” Bibby said. “Ever since then, the passion that I have to teach kids, get them to be better players, better human beings, has always been in my heart. Coming back to Sacramento to start my second career means the most to me.”
Bibby hopes to turn the page on a rough 2024-25 season for Sacramento State and bump up recruiting efforts ahead of the 2025-26 campaign–and he’s ready for that challenge.
“Broad recruiting. We’re going to try to get the best kids we can here to change the culture. I’m just ready. I’ve been ready for this for a long time.”
You can listen to Mike Bibby’s entire introductory press conference below:
Mike Bibby speaks for the first time as Sacramento State head coach
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Author Name: Franklin Cartoscelli
Bio: Franklin 'Frankie' Cartoscelli is Sactown Sports 1140's Lead Editor, Sacramento Kings beat writer and co-host of the Return of the Roar podcast.
Professional Background: Worked in professional sports… Read more
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Mike Bibby speaks for the first time as Sacramento State head coach
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