Shaq’s son, Shaqir O’Neal, is transferring to Mike Bibby-led Sac State
Shaqir O’Neal, the son of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, is transferring to Sacramento State, a move the college hooper confirmed on social media.
O’Neal made the announcement on his own Instagram account, and the Sac State Men’s Basketball program also shared the news in a post on their own account. In his own post, O’Neal said:
“I am excited to announce my verbal commitment to Sacramento State University. I am incredibly grateful to Coach Bibby and the entire coaching staff for believing in me and offering this opportunity. I look forward to contributing to the program and representing Sacramento State.”
Shaqir O’Neal will be the first major acquisition made by the Hornets since former Sacramento Kings star Mike Bibby was announced as the university’s newest men’s basketball coach.
The 21-year-old O’Neal, who plays forward, is coming off his third season in college — and only season with Florida A&M. He played his first two college seasons with Texas Southern.
During the 2024-25 season, O’Neal averaged 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists over 29 games.
The Hornets are coming off a disappointing 7-25 record last season. The Hornets finished last in the Big Sky Conference with a record of 3-15 in conference play.
The O’Neal family already had ties to Sacramento before this move was announced.
Bibby and Shaq played on opposite ends of the court during the peak of the Sacramento Kings-Los Angeles Lakers rivalry of the early 2000s.
Following his NBA career, Shaq became a minority owner in the Kings until he sold his interest in the team in 2022.
