Earlier this spring, Sacramento State University hired Sacramento Kings legend Mike Bibby to take over as head coach, hoping that he could bring some energy to the often-flailing men's program. This week, it was announced that the Hornets would get another injection of celebrity power, with Shaquille O'Neal taking on an unpaid role.

O’Neal, an NBA studio analyst for TNT, is just the latest high-profile athlete to join a college front office to help recruit talent. Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was named Davidson’s assistant general manager, while former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck joined Stanford’s football program’s front office last season.

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 Stephe