NBA superstar Damian Lillard has officially announced his new role as general manager for the Weber State men’s basketball program, marking a significant development for his alma mater and the broader landscape of college athletics. This strategic move sees one of the most dynamic players in the NBA return to his roots, aiming to infuse the Wildcats program with his professional expertise and unique insights gained from years at the highest level of basketball. Lillard’s commitment is expected to bring unprecedented prestige and a renewed focus on player development to the Big Sky Conference.
The announcement took place during the school’s annual Basketball Alumni Classic, where Lillard, after spending ample time signing autographs for adoring fans, addressed the crowd. His address confirmed his ongoing commitment and deepening relationship with Weber State University, a place where he forged his collegiate legacy, setting the stage for his impactful return in a management capacity.
While initial details regarding the specifics of his new general manager position remain somewhat limited, the university’s press release clarifies Lillard’s core responsibilities. He is slated to collaborate closely with the coaching staff and athletic department leadership, providing invaluable insight, mentorship, and guidance. His extensive experience at both collegiate and professional levels, particularly within the competitive NBA, is anticipated to be a cornerstone for elevating the program, especially after a challenging 12-22 season.
Damian Lillard’s history with the Weber State Wildcats is nothing short of legendary. He stands as one of the most accomplished players in the program’s history, earning conference Player of the Year honors twice before declaring for the NBA draft in 2012. With an impressive 1,934 career points, he departed as the second-leading scorer in Weber State history and secured the fifth all-time spot in the Big Sky Conference, cementing his place in the school’s athletic lore.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Lillard emphasized his desire to leverage all his resources for the benefit of the program and its athletes. “All of the resources that I have, I’ve got an opportunity to be able to create for the program, while they’re in the program and even after the program, it’s something I’m excited about,” Lillard stated. He reiterated his commitment to continually uplift the university and the basketball program, eagerly anticipating the positive impact he can make.
This new arrangement with Weber State caps off an eventful offseason for Lillard, marked by significant professional transitions. Following a torn Achilles in the playoffs, his contract was initially waived and stretched by Milwaukee. However, he ultimately rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year deal, demonstrating his resilience and continued dedication to his NBA career, even as he embraces this new leadership role off the court.
Lillard’s move is part of a burgeoning trend among active NBA stars who are increasingly taking on advisory or management roles with their college alma maters. This precedent was notably set by Stephen Curry, who became an assistant general manager at Davidson in March. Since then, other prominent NBA players like Trae Young (Oklahoma), Terance Mann (Florida State), and Patty Mills (Hawai’i) have followed suit, signaling a new era of engagement where professional athletes actively contribute to the development of NCAA Basketball and Sports Management at the collegiate level. This phenomenon highlights a growing commitment from NBA Stars to give back to the institutions that helped shape their paths to professional basketball.
