Sacramento State’s First Mike Bibby Commit Has HOF Pedigree

Sacramento State’s Mike Bibby Era has officially kicked off, with the former NBA standout securing a commitment from Shaqir O’Neal, the junior forward announced (h/t FOX 40 reporter Sean Cunningham).

Shaquille O’Neal’s Son Becomes Mike Bibby’s First Sacramento State Commit

Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal‘s youngest son, the Union Grove product was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2021. In 2021, he committed to Texas State, but he would ultimately transfer to Florida A&M in 2024.

Mike Bibby lands his first recruit for Sacramento State in Shaqir O’Neal, the son of Shaquille O’Neal. pic.twitter.com/yJmjh5l6bF

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) March 31, 2025

In 2024-25, O’Neal averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 37.5 percent from 3.

Hall Of Fame Pedigree?

While it’s a nice story, having an older commit could help Bibby even more than having one with a Hall of Fame pedigree. The apple doesn’t usually fall far from the tree, unless it’s in that regard.

Even if Bronny James had a strong showing at USC, he never looked like he’d be as dominant as LeBron James. Michael Jordan‘s sons weren’t able to make it to the NBA. O’Neal’s older brother —Shareef O’Neal –had a quiet college career; he’s yet to play a minute in the NBA.

With that being said, the Hornets had eight players on their roster that were either freshman or sophomores last season. Three of the their top-five minutes leaders were either freshman or sophomores: Bailey Nunn, Lachlan Brewer, and Emil Skytta. Each of those aforementioned players ranked in the team’s bottom-five in defensive box plus-minus. Nunn, who started in 30 games, shot just 27.3 percent from the field.

Among their five players that were either juniors or seniors, Jacob Holt (16.3) and Julian Vaughns (10.9) ranked first and second in points per game, respectively. Holt, the team’s best player, shot 50.4 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from 3. So, it’s no wonder that he had the team’s best offensive rating (114.4), a night and day difference from either Nunn (88.0) and Skytta (87.4). He even led the team in rebounds (6.9 per game).

Some home highlights of senior Jacob Holt

• 2nd team all-Big Sky
• Started all 32 games
• Led team in points (16.3 ppg) and rebounds (6.9 rpg)
• 24 games in double figures
• 11 games with 20+ pts; 2 games with 30+ pts
• 2nd in Big Sky in FTM (135) & FTA (188)#StingersUp pic.twitter.com/JZB7DPZ4oz

— Sacramento State Men’s Basketball (@SacHornetsMBB) March 24, 2025

Unfortunately for Bibby, Holt doesn’t have much eligibility left. That isn’t to say that O’Neal will be the one to replace him. Nonetheless, Bibby might find it easier to put his trust in O’Neal because he’s a more seasoned player.

Money Conversation

O’Neal having a dad who’s an NBA legend could help draw more eyes to the program.

While he’ll only be there for a short time, it’s just the type of move that generates intrigue. Furthermore, depending on how deep O’Neal’s connection with Bibby is or how well his son is treated at Sacramento State, it could help their program in peripheral ways. Perhaps O’Neal would be willing to add to the team’s NIL budget. Maybe he’ll even give a donation to help them improve their training facilities.

Lastly, many basketball players dream of making it to the NBA. Thus, it’s a good idea to establish an image of an NBA factory. In fact, one of the reasons top high school recruit AJ Dybantsa chose to commit to BYU was their coaching staff’s experience with the NBA, he revealed to ESPN. Even BYU head coach Kevin Young can’t profess to have been an NBA standout though, as Bibby can.