Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard, who returned to the Portland Trail Blazers last month, announced on Saturday night a second, official position as general manager of the men's basketball program at his alma mater Weber State. Lillard, 35, made the announcement in Ogden, Utah, where he is hosting the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic. "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," Lillard said those in attendance at Swenson Gym, according to the Standard-Examiner in Ogden. "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." The guard is expected to miss the 2025-26 NBA season as he recovers from a torn left Achilles tendon while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks on April 27 that knocked him out of the rest of the playoffs. The Bucks waived him after the season and he re-signed with the Trail Blazers for a reported three-year, $42 million contract. Weber State issued a news release on Saturday which said Lillard will work closely with the coaching staff and athletic department leadership "to provide insight, mentorship, and guidance, using his experience at the collegiate and professional levels to elevate the program." Portland selected Lillard with the sixth overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. The point guard averaged 24.5 points and shot 40.9 percent on 3-point attempts in 32 games (all starts) as a senior in the 2011-12 season, when he was a third-team All-American. Lillard averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals while shooting 39 percent from long range in 104 games (98 starts) during a highly decorated four-year college career. He was the Big Sky Player of the Year twice. Lillard returned to Ogden and graduated in 2015. WSU retired his No. 1 jersey in 2017, and he was inducted into its athletics hall of fame in 2021 and the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame in 2022. "Once again, Damian Lillard exemplifies loyalty and commitment to his alma mater," WSU President Brad Mortensen said in the release. "We are so grateful for his continued leadership and example he sets for Wildcats past, present, and future." The nine-time All-Star and 2012-13 NBA Rookie of the Year has been selected All-NBA seven times. Lillard owns career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 900 regular-season contests with Portland (2012-23) and Milwaukee (2023-25). His 2,804 3-pointers rank fourth in NBA history and his 22,598 points rank eighth among active players. "Success doesn't come overnight, especially in today's ever-changing basketball landscape," Lillard said in the university's news release. "College athletics is constantly evolving, and building a strong program requires time, trust, and commitment. "I believe in what this program represents and the culture that continues to grow at Weber State," Lillard continued. "The support of our community is vital to the program's success, and I am committed to playing a greater role in that effort. This opportunity allows me to be even more involved in shaping the future of Weber State basketball." --Field Level Media
