Damian Lillard’s path to NBA stardom began far from the usual basketball spotlight, taking root at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, between 2008 and 2012. While other top recruits like Kyrie Irving and Austin Rivers attracted national attention at premier programs such as Duke and Kansas, Lillard quietly built a dominant legacy that would form the foundation for his professional greatness. His years at Weber State reveal how determination and consistent improvement shaped the All-NBA star he became.
Progression Through College: Four Seasons of Growth and Resilience
Lillard’s freshman season in 2008–09 defied expectations immediately. Averaging 11.5 points per game, he earned Big Sky Freshman of the Year and made history as the first true freshman named to the Big Sky First Team All-Conference — impressive milestones signaling a rare level of talent. Rival recruits couldn’t match the intensity Lillard brought from the start.
His sophomore year marked a breakout performance. Lillard elevated his scoring to 19.9 points per game, steering Weber State to a Big Sky regular-season championship and a 20-win record. The unanimous selection as Big Sky MVP underscored his command of college basketball at the conference level, already hinting at his future professional prowess.
The 2010–11 season brought a tough setback when Lillard suffered a foot injury just nine games in. Rather than allowing the injury to derail his trajectory, he used the time to strengthen and refocus. Returning in 2011–12, he delivered his best season yet: a spectacular 24.5 points per game average, ranking second nationally in scoring, complemented by solid rebounding and assists. This emerged as his final statement before entering the NBA Draft.
Damian Lillard’s Statistical Impact at Weber State
Looking closer at his collegiate statistics offers insight into his consistent improvement and resilience despite obstacles:
- 2008–09 (Freshman): 11.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists per game; shooting 43.4% overall, 37.4% from three, and 84.1% from the free-throw line.
- 2009–10 (Sophomore): 19.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game; shooting 43.1% from the field, 39.3% on threes, and 85.3% free throws.
- 2010–11 (Injury/Redshirt): 17.7 points per game in the 10 games before his injury.
- 2011–12 (Junior): 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game; shooting upticks to 46.7% overall, 40.9% from deep, and an impressive 88.7% on free throws.
Across his 104-game career, Lillard averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting nearly 45 percent from the field and converting 39 percent of his three-pointers. His free-throw accuracy was particularly elite at 86.7 percent.
Records and Accolades Cementing a Legendary College Career
By the time Lillard’s college days ended, his name was etched firmly in Weber State’s record books. Scoring 1,934 points placed him fourth in school history, while his total still ranked fifth historically across the Big Sky Conference at that time. Beyond scoring, he became the school’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (246), free throws made (520), and free throw percentage (86.7%), showcasing a varied offensive skill set.
Lillard earned Big Sky MVP twice, in 2010 and 2012, and became the first player from the conference to be named a Third-Team All-American in 2012. He also won Weber State’s Male Athlete of the Year twice, demonstrating dominance across the program. Among his notable individual game performances, scoring 41 points in a thrilling double-overtime victory against San Jose State stood out as a memorable highlight.
Influence Beyond the Stats: Impact on Weber State’s Program
Lillard’s significance at Weber State extended well beyond personal scoring titles and awards. The Wildcats enjoyed two 20-plus win seasons during his freshman and junior years and clinched the Big Sky regular-season title in both 2009 and 2010. His leadership helped transform the team into a consistent winner, culminating in a 25–7 record in 2012. While the Wildcats ultimately fell short in the Big Sky Tournament finals, it was clear they were a force to be reckoned with thanks to Lillard’s presence.
His legacy was honored in several ways: his No. 1 jersey was retired in 2017, making him only the third player in Weber State history to receive this tribute. Later, he was inducted into the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame in 2020 and Weber State’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021, underscoring his lasting influence on the program.
Damian Lillard’s Continued Commitment to Weber State
Maintaining a strong bond with his alma mater, Lillard took on a new role in August 2025 as the General Manager of Weber State’s men’s basketball team, while still recovering from an Achilles injury. Regarding his new position, he expressed:
“My relationship with Coach (Eric) Duft and this program means a lot to me… I believe I can do a lot to help the program be successful.”
—Damian Lillard, General Manager, Weber State Men’s Basketball
This move reflects Lillard’s deep-rooted dedication, demonstrating that his connection to Weber State is more than nostalgic — it is an active, ongoing investment in the future of the program he helped elevate.
The Enduring Legacy of Damian Lillard’s Weber State Journey
Damian Lillard’s Weber State career stands as a testament to how hard work, perseverance, and steady growth can transform a relatively unheralded recruit into a celebrated NBA superstar. His trail from an overlooked freshman to a record-shattering All-American illustrates the vital role Weber State played in developing his skills and competitive mindset.
The school’s record books, his awards, and the Wildcats’ success during his tenure reveal the magnitude of his impact. More importantly, his ongoing involvement in the program today cements a legacy defined not only by individual prowess but also by loyalty and a lasting commitment to basketball at Weber State.