Damian Lillard has long been a household name in basketball, known for his incredible skill on the court, leadership qualities, and an unmatched passion for the game. Now, he is looking to expand that legacy in a new capacity—off the court. The NBA superstar has been named the General Manager (GM) of Weber State University’s men’s basketball program, the institution where his basketball stardom truly began. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Lillard, Weber State, and the evolving landscape of college basketball. As a nine-time NBA All-Star and Weber State legend, Lillard’s return to his alma mater promises to bring prestige, mentorship, and new opportunities to the Wildcats’ program.
A Full-Circle Moment for Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard’s basketball journey began at Weber State University, where he played from 2008 to 2012. During his three seasons with the Wildcats, Lillard averaged 18.6 points per game, earning two Big Sky Player of the Year awards. As a freshman in 2008–09, he was named Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Big Sky, averaging 11.5 points per game. His sophomore year saw a leap to 19.9 points per game, leading the Wildcats to a conference championship and earning him honorable mention All-American honors. Despite a foot injury limiting him to 10 games in 2010–11, Lillard returned as a redshirt junior in 2011–12, averaging 24.5 points and finishing as the nation’s second-leading scorer. He left Weber State as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,934 points and third in 3-pointers made, cementing his legacy as the school’s only All-American.
Drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012, Lillard quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. Known for his clutch performances and leadership, he has earned nine NBA All-Star selections, seven All-NBA Team honors, and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. As of the 2024–25 season, he ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time list for three-point field goals made, with 2,804. After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard re-signed with the Trail Blazers in July 2025, but a left Achilles tendon tear sustained in April 2025 means he is unlikely to play in the 2025–26 season. This injury provides Lillard with the opportunity to take on a new challenge at Weber State, where his roots run deep.
Damian Lillard’s NBA Legacy and Expertise
Damian Lillard needs no introduction when it comes to his professional accomplishments. Drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012, Lillard quickly established himself as one of the league’s most electrifying guards. Over the last decade, Lillard has earned:
- Nine NBA All-Star selections
- An Olympic gold medal with Team USA
- All-NBA Team honors multiple times
- A reputation as one of the most clutch players in NBA history
What makes this transition so intriguing for Weber State is Lillard’s deep understanding of professional basketball’s operational and strategic aspects. His time in the NBA has given him firsthand knowledge of what it takes to build winning teams, develop talent, and manage egos. These insights can translate powerfully now that he is tasked with overseeing the Wildcats’ program.
At 35, Lillard is at a career crossroads, recovering from an Achilles tendon injury and unlikely to play in the upcoming NBA season. However, rather than retreating from the basketball world, he is using his platform and experience to impact the game at a level beyond playing.
The Role of a General Manager in College Sports
The General Manager role is a relatively new concept in the college basketball world. Traditionally, a program’s head coach has been solely responsible for overseeing all basketball operations, including recruiting, talent development, and team dynamics. However, the emergence of challenges such as the transfer portal and the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has made the management of college basketball increasingly complex.
What Does a General Manager Do?
A college basketball GM, like what Lillard is stepping into, is tasked with several key responsibilities:
- Recruiting and Transfer Strategy
With the transfer portal giving athletes more flexibility to switch programs, GMs can play a vital role in identifying and securing top talent.
- NIL Strategy and Player Growth
NIL has fundamentally changed the college sports landscape. GMs work closely with players, coaches, and athletic departments to help players maximize opportunities while balancing compliance and academics.
- Program Vision and Oversight
While head coaches focus on game strategies and team preparation, GMs can develop long-term visions for the program, ensuring consistent growth and sustainability.
- Mentorship
Importantly, GMs can serve as mentors to players, many of whom aspire to follow in the footsteps of professionals like Damian Lillard.
By bringing the expertise and relationships he developed throughout his NBA career, Lillard is uniquely positioned to thrive in this role. He will not only help Weber State adapt to today’s challenges, but his presence is likely to lend the program tremendous credibility on the recruiting trail.
Lillard’s Vision for Weber State
At his introductory press conference, Damian Lillard spoke passionately about why he took on this responsibility. He emphasized his deep connection with the university and his desire to support the program’s growth and success.
“My relationship with Coach Duft and this program means a lot to me,” Lillard said. “Helping the players continue to grow beyond their college years is something I’m passionate about.”
Developing Players for Life Beyond College
Lillard’s vision seems to extend beyond simply winning games. He wants Weber State to become a program that not only excels on the court but also prepares its players for the next stages of life—whether that’s professional basketball or other careers. His lived experience as a collegiate player who transitioned into the pros gives him a level of credibility that can inspire recruits and current players alike.
Focusing on Recruitment and Retention
The transfer portal and NIL opportunities have made mid-major programs like Weber State susceptible to losing star players to larger schools with greater resources. By leveraging his influence and unique NBA perspective, Lillard can help Weber State build a program where athletes want to stay and grow. His presence alone could become a significant recruiting tool.
Raising the Profile of Weber State Basketball
The hiring of Damian Lillard is likely to elevate Weber State’s visibility on a national stage. Whether in exposure during recruiting battles or in media coverage throughout the season, the program will benefit greatly when a well-known figure like Lillard is at the helm.
The Broader Impact on College Basketball
While Lillard’s appointment as GM is significant for Weber State, it also speaks to larger trends in college sports. Programs are increasingly realizing the value of professional basketball knowledge—particularly from legends like Lillard—in shaping their futures.
NIL and the Changing Dynamics of College Sports
The introduction of NIL has made it possible for college athletes to monetize their fame. This has introduced new challenges for managing college programs, as schools now compete not only in terms of coaching and facilities but also in how well they can create NIL ecosystems for their players.
Someone like Damian Lillard, who has built a global personal brand, understands the intricacies involved in player promotion and endorsement opportunities. His involvement could give Weber State athletes access to insights and opportunities that are uncommon at mid-major programs.
The Transfer Portal and Retention Challenges
The transfer portal has fundamentally changed college basketball by making it easier for players to leave programs for other schools. While this opens up opportunities, it has also created retention headaches for smaller programs. Lillard’s role as GM could help instill a strong culture of loyalty and development at Weber State, reducing the likelihood of roster churn.
Positioning Weber State for Long-Term Success
By appointing Damian Lillard as GM, Weber State is making a statement about its ambitions. Lillard’s approach will likely combine practical strategies—focused on player development, recruitment, and facilities upgrades—with intangibles like culture building and fostering pride in Wildcat Basketball.
Building Beyond Lillard’s Tenure
No matter how long Lillard serves in this role, the foundation he plans to lay could set the program up for long-term success. His influence might inspire other alumni or professionals to invest more time, energy, and resources into giving back to their own institutions.
The NBA-Collegiate Connection
Lillard’s hire continues a growing trend of NBA players and professionals taking active roles in shaping college-level basketball programs. These connections not only enhance the visibility of the sport but also help merge the collegiate and professional basketball worlds in meaningful ways.
An Inspiration for Future GMs
By accepting this GM position, Lillard could inspire more former and current NBA players to consider similar roles. Professional athletes’ credibility, knowledge, and networks can significantly elevate the trajectory of college teams.
The Role of a General Manager in College Basketball
The general manager role in college basketball has become increasingly vital in recent years, driven by the introduction of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. These changes have transformed college athletics into a more dynamic and competitive landscape, requiring specialized roles to manage recruiting, roster construction, and player development. According to industry insights, college basketball GMs often oversee scouting, booster and alumni relations, fundraising, and budget management, with a particular focus on navigating NIL opportunities and transfer portal activities.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Role | General Manager of Weber State basketball |
| Responsibilities | Provide insight, mentorship, and guidance; help players grow careers past college; elevate the program using collegiate and professional experience |
| Context | Role has risen in popularity due to transfer portal, NIL, and changing dynamics in college athletics |
| Lillard’s Background | Two-time Big Sky MVP, three seasons at Weber State, program’s only All-American |
Lillard’s role as GM is expected to focus on mentorship and leveraging his extensive NBA network to benefit Weber State’s players. While some GM roles in college basketball are ceremonial, particularly when filled by high-profile figures like NBA stars, Lillard’s deep connection to Weber State suggests he may take a more active approach. His responsibilities will likely include helping players navigate NIL opportunities, preparing them for professional careers, and enhancing the program’s visibility to attract top talent.
Following in the Footsteps of NBA Greats
Lillard’s appointment follows a growing trend of NBA players taking on leadership roles at their alma maters. For example, Stephen Curry serves as an assistant GM at Davidson, where his involvement has helped raise the program’s profile. Similarly, Trae Young holds an assistant GM role at Oklahoma, where he donated $1 million to support the basketball program. These roles often combine mentorship with high-profile booster duties, leveraging the players’ fame to attract recruits and resources.
| NBA Player | College Alma Mater | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | Davidson | Assistant GM | First active NBA player in such a role, acts as a high-profile booster |
| Trae Young | Oklahoma | Assistant GM | Donated $1 million, helps manage player personnel, high-profile booster |
Lillard’s role at Weber State aligns with this model, positioning him as a key advisor and mentor. His status as an NBA superstar and Weber State legend could make the Wildcats a more attractive destination for recruits and transfers, while his mentorship could provide players with unique insights into the professional game.
Impact on Weber State
Lillard’s involvement is poised to have a transformative impact on Weber State’s basketball program. His stature in the basketball world can attract high-caliber recruits and transfers, particularly in the competitive transfer portal era. Additionally, his mentorship can help players develop their skills and navigate the complexities of modern college athletics, including securing NIL deals. As a beloved alumnus, Lillard’s commitment could also boost alumni engagement and fundraising, providing the program with additional resources to compete in the Big Sky Conference and beyond.
Lillard’s presence may also elevate Weber State’s visibility on a national stage. His involvement in the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic, where he signed autographs for 90 minutes before making the GM announcement, demonstrates his dedication to the community. This connection could inspire greater fan support and strengthen the program’s culture, which Lillard himself praised in a Weber State news release: “I believe
Final Thoughts
Damian Lillard’s appointment as General Manager of Weber State Basketball is more than just a noteworthy headline. It’s a story of loyalty, passion, and a deep desire to give back to the game that has defined much of his life. By returning to his alma mater, Lillard is setting a powerful example of what it means to lead—whether on the court or off of it.
For Weber State, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With Lillard’s vision and leadership, the Wildcats aren’t just aiming for conference championships—they’re aiming to create a program that stands the test of time.
