Mike Bibby and Shaq Lead Sac State to Victorious Beginnings

The Sacramento State men’s basketball team is looking to make significant strides in the coming years, aiming to ascend to the heights of college basketball. The Hornets recently made notable appointments with head coach Mike Bibby and General Manager Shaquille O’Neal, igniting excitement within the program. Bibby, a pivotal figure for the Sacramento Kings during their successful early 2000s era, boasts a remarkable 14-year NBA career and a national championship from his time at Arizona. His legendary status in Sacramento makes him an ideal leader for the Hornets' ambition of becoming a standout Division 1 program. With their upcoming official entry into the Big West conference for the 2026-27 season, aspirations to reach the NCAA Tournament are within reach.O’Neal’s renown, both on and off the court, adds credibility to the Sac State initiative, as he brings his son, Shaqir O’Neal, to play for Bibby. The season began on a positive note with a commanding 103-79 win over Dominican University in front of a record crowd. Upcoming challenges await, including a matchup against UCLA, currently the 12th-ranked team nationally, which will serve as a true benchmark for the team's potential.