Damian Lillard, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, has taken on a new role as the General Manager of the Weber State Men’s Basketball team. This announcement comes from Weber State, where Lillard played college basketball before achieving fame in the NBA. His appointment marks an important step toward shaping the future of the Wildcats’ basketball program in Ogden.
A Celebrated NBA Career and College Roots
Lillard’s connection to Weber State is significant considering the school is not traditionally known for producing NBA stars. After his college career, Lillard rose to prominence alongside the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a nine-time NBA All-Star. Most recently, he spent two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, consistently delivering strong performances.
In the last NBA season, Lillard maintained impressive averages, including 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting nearly 45% from the field and close to 38% from three-point range across 58 contests. This summer, he confirmed a return to the Trail Blazers, the team he helped lead to their last NBA playoff appearance in 2021.
Community and Fan Reactions to Lillard’s New Role
The news of Lillard’s new position has generated excitement among Weber State supporters and NBA fans alike, many expressing their enthusiasm on social media. His shift to a managerial role allows him to influence the incoming talent and overall direction of the Wildcats basketball program, promising a new chapter built on his legacy.
Ben Stinar, a basketball writer for Ball Around on SI and Fastbreak on SI at Sports Illustrated, noted the significance of Lillard’s career both on and off the court, highlighting the potential impacts this leadership change could have on Weber State’s basketball trajectory.
Looking Ahead: What Lillard’s New Role Means
Damian Lillard’s transition into a General Manager position signals more than a personal milestone; it offers hope for a revitalized Weber State basketball program. This role will allow Lillard to bring his extensive professional experience into collegiate basketball management, possibly inspiring future athletes and shaping the Wildcats’ competitiveness in coming seasons. As he blends his NBA expertise with his collegiate roots, both the Weber State community and basketball fans will be watching closely to see how this new era unfolds.