Shaquille O’Neal is off to a strong start as the Sacramento State general manager. The LSU basketball legend is returning to college basketball to take the reins of the program and try to turn it into a competitive one. Despite not making any money out of this position, O’Neal is already making an impact.
After his son, Shaqir, committed to Sacramento State, a former four-star recruit followed through. Following a sole season representing the UFC Knights, Mikey Williams has found his way to Sacramento State.
Shaqir O’Neal and Williams will work together with another former NBA star, Mike Bibby, who was credited by Williams as one of the reasons he decided to take his talents to Sacramento State. In a Sunday conversation with Overtime, Williams explained why he decided to commit to this program.
Mikey Williams opens up on Shaquille O’Neal’s impact
“I took a visit out there a few weeks ago. I really liked coach Bibby and the coaching staff,” he said. “I liked the culture over there. It was very humbling. I know they’re getting some of these stuff redone, like the locker room and I think the gym. Just being there it kinda cleared my mind, it really made me excited, it kind of put a chip on my shoulder and the coaching staff playing into that. And my relationship with coach Bibby. Last but not the least, it’s in California, too, so I’m close to home.”
Shaquille O’Neal
Mikey Williams hasn’t had the easiest path in college basketball. He started his journey with the Memphis Tigers, but his ongoing legal case prevented him from playing for the Tigers. He joined UCF last season, where he averaged 5.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 37.1% from the field in 14.0 minutes per game.
Williams rose to fame as one of those social media high school phenoms. He appeared to be on a solid trajectory until legal issues derailed his development and ruined all the hype around him. Williams is now trying to become his best version again and help the Hornets make some noise in the 2025-26 season.
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He’s surrounded by multiple former NBA stars who surely have a couple of things to teach him while Williams is headed to The Nest.
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