Damian Lillard Takes on a New Role in College Basketball
Damian Lillard, a renowned NBA player, returns to the university setting, but this time in an administrative role. He will serve as the general manager of basketball at Weber State University, where he shone during his time as a player. The announcement was made by Lillard himself on Saturday night in Ogden, Utah, during the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic event.The role of general manager has gained popularity in college basketball and football in recent years. Their main function is to oversee programs in the face of changes in the transfer portal, NIL, and other dynamics in college sports. Lillard, who was twice Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player during his three seasons at Weber State, joins the list of prominent figures taking on these types of roles. The university reported that Lillard “will work closely with the coaching staff and the leadership of the athletic department to provide information, tutoring and guidance, using his experience at the collegiate and professional level to elevate the program”. Lillard, a nine-time NBA All-Star, recently renewed his contract with the Trail Blazers after being released by the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard, 35 years old, is in the process of recovering from a rupture of the left Achilles tendon suffered in April and is unlikely to play in the 2025-26 season.“My relationship with coach Eric Duft and this program means a lot to me, and seeing the success of the program means a lot to me. I feel like I can do a lot to help the program succeed, to help the players even individually continue to develop their careers beyond college, that’s something I’m passionate about,” Lillard stated.
Damian Lillard
