Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard returns to his Alma Mater, Weber State, to serve as general manager, the announced team Saturday evening.
Lillard, 35, announced the move while organizing the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic in Ogden, Utah. The 13-year-old NBA veteran adds his new role for only two weeks after he agrees to return to the trail blazers for a three-year-old deal.
“Success does not come overnight, especially in the ever -changing basketball landscape of today,” Lillard said through a press release from Weber State. “College atletiek is constantly evolving and building a strong program requires time, trust and dedication. I believe in what this program represents and the culture that continues to grow in Weber State. The support of our community is of vital importance for the success of the program, and I am dedicated to playing a greater role in that effort. This opportunity can be more involved.”
A legacy continues in Ogden. Wildcat legend Damian Lillard officially adds a member of Weber State Men’s Basketball as the new general manager.
Dame steps into a leading role that will help shape the future of Wildcat Hoops.
A new era starts now.#Weberstratregreat #Dametime pic.twitter.com/MV3BVHX6ST
– Weber State Men’s Basketball (@weberstatembb) August 3, 2025
Lillard serves as an “important advisor” and “mentor” and will work closely with the coaching staff and the leadership of the athletic department, according to the press release, to “provide insight, mentorship and guidance, his experience at the collegial and professional level to increase the program”.
Lillard’s step to become a general manager follows in the footsteps of other NBA players who have stepped into comparable roles. Golden State Warriors -star Stephen Curry agreed in March to serve as an assistant GM with his Alma Mater, Davidson, while Hawks guard trae Young will serve in the same role in Oklahoma. Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal agreed in April to become the general manager at Sacramento State.
Before Lillard was prepared sixth by the trail blazers in the NBA design of 2012 and later the NBA Rookie of the Year 2013 was proclaimed, Lillard played in Weber State. He led the wildcats to two Big Sky championships and earned two Big Sky MVP nods, during his four seasons from 2009 to 2012. He retired his sweater in 2017, was included in the Athletics Hall of Fame of the school in 2021 and the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame in 2022.
(Photo: Amanda Loman / Getty images)
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