Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard has some great news today. He’s transitioning into a new gig as the general manager of Weber State basketball! Lillard’s fun surprise announcement came during the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic hosted at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. This decision represents a thrilling homecoming to his alma mater. When he left, he already had made a lasting impact on the basketball program there.
Lillard, a nine-time NBA All-Star, was recently re-signed by the Portland Trail Blazers. This came after a rollercoaster few days in which he had been waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. His hoops journey started in Weber State, where he played three seasons and quickly became a thunderous stud. Shear left the university and entered the NBA after his junior year in 2011-12. During his tenure, he led the team to its first two Big Sky MVP awards and the school’s only All-American.
At the end of Lillard’s career at Weber State, he would finish fourth in career scoring and third in three-pointers made. His achievements at the business school continue to set the course for his professional success. In the process, they’ve solidified his legacy within the program.
At the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic, which he hosted, Lillard expressed his commitment to the program and its future. He stressed the value of his partnership with head coach Eric Duft. This personal connection provides a powerful motivator for his dedication to ensuring the team’s success.
“It’s something that, 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,” – Damian Lillard
Lillard’s new role as general manager allows him to leverage his experience and passion for basketball to mentor young athletes. He’s convinced that he has a unique opportunity to shape their professional futures long after their time in college.
“I feel like I can do a lot to help the program be successful, to help the players even individually continue to grow their careers past college, that’s something that I’m passionate about.” – Damian Lillard
Lillard’s new long term illustrates his commitment to Portland and the Trail Blazers. Beyond his own work, he has a zeal for developing the next generation of talent at Weber State. His deep respect for, and experience with the NBA, should provide a wealth of direction and suggestions which will surely help the program thrive.
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