Sacramento State men’s basketball is making significant changes in their program and is on a trajectory that could redefine their athletic identity. They are in their first season under head coach Mike Bibby and GM Shaquille O’Neal and the growth is already evident on and off the court.
The hiring of a local legend in Bibby as the head coach, combined with Shaq’s involvement as a volunteer GM, has injected new life into the program. Bibby spent the majority of his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings and helped lead the most succesful period for the franchise in recent history. The Hornets roster has undergone a complete overhaul under this new regime, with no returning players from last season.
Considering the Hornets went 7–25 overall and 3–15 in the Big Sky conference, that is definitely a good thing. Bibby’s recruiting efforts have brought in notable talent, including high-profile players like Mikey Williams and leading scorer Prophet Johnson. They have already started recruiting for the 2026-27 and recently announced the signing of four-star guard Ashton Pierce out of North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Despite a tough start to the season with a current record of 4-6, the team is still finding its footing and growing with every challenge. Three of those losses were against powerhouse programs in Cal, UCLA, and most recently Baylor where the Hornets put up a great fight against one of the top teams in the country.
The focus now is on building a competitive edge in the Big Sky Conference as they wrap up the program’s last season there before moving to the Big West. Defense is a key area of improvement that coach Bibby is emphasizing, as the team gears up for conference play later this month.
The recent relocation to a new venue on campus called “The WELL” has also expanded the seating capacity which has made for an improved atmosphere at games. Perhaps they could also schedule some of their bigger rivalry games at the Golden 1 Center which is the home of the Sacramento Kings.
The Hornets basketball program is embracing a fresh start under Mike Bibby’s leadership and aims to make a statement in the Big Sky. The future looks bright for Sac State basketball, and with the right strategies in place and the right leadership at the helm, the Hornets could soon soar to new heights.
