Damian Lillard Takes on New Role at Weber State Men’s Basketball
Former NBA star Damian Lillard, renowned for his impressive career with the Portland Trail Blazers, is embarking on a new chapter in his journey by becoming the General Manager of the Weber State men’s basketball program. Following in the footsteps of other notable NBA players like Stephen Curry and Trae Young, Lillard’s new role brings excitement and hope for the future of Wildcat basketball. As a Weber State alum and a beloved figure among fans, Lillard’s leadership is poised to reinvigorate the program and elevate its potential.
A Familiar and Welcoming Environment
Lillard’s commitment to Weber State goes beyond just a nostalgic return. His connection to the program is deep-rooted and means a lot to him personally. “It’s something that my relationship with coach [Eric] Duft and this program means a lot to me,” Lillard shared during Weber State’s annual basketball alumni game. His passion for the program is evident, and he aims to leverage his extensive experience to foster success for current players and the team as a whole. This role allows him to play a vital part in shaping the future of Wildcat basketball, an endeavor he perceives as both exciting and fulfilling.
Revamping Resources for Student-Athletes
While roles like Lillard’s are often seen as more ceremonial, he aims to take a hands-on approach. One of his primary goals is to enhance the National Letter of Intent (NIL) resources for the program. As college basketball continuously evolves, NIL deals have become an important part of the landscape, and Lillard is committed to improving the program’s capabilities in this area. “I feel like I can do a lot to help the program be successful,” he emphasized, indicating his intention to not only support players during their time at Weber State but also to assist them in growing their careers after graduation.
Building a Path to Success
The Wildcats faced challenges last season, finishing with a disappointing record of 12-22. However, Lillard’s recent appointment also marks the beginning of a new era of optimism for Weber State basketball. Historically, the Wildcats have enjoyed periods of success, with more than 20 wins in two of the last four seasons. Yet, it has been a decade since the team last advanced beyond the Big Sky Conference to the NCAA Tournament. Lillard’s leadership may be just what they need to propel the program back to its former glory, inspiring players to aim higher and work harder.
A Dual Role: Mentorship and Leadership
In addition to his duties at Weber State, Lillard is also returning to the Trail Blazers after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. He will dedicate time to rehabilitating from a torn Achilles injury suffered during last season’s playoffs while simultaneously mentoring the Blazers’ young stars like Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara. This dual role of mentor and leader allows Lillard to transfer his wealth of basketball knowledge to both professional and college players, embodying a bridge across different levels of the sport. His mentoring can help prepare these young athletes for both the challenges of professional basketball and the importance of personal development.
The Future Looks Bright for Wildcat Hoops
As Lillard officially steps into this new role with Weber State, both fans and the basketball community are eager to see how his influence will be felt on and off the court. With a vision for rebuilding and empowering the program, Lillard is not just a former athlete returning to his roots but a figure determined to uplift his Alma Mater. As he stated, "I’m looking forward to doing that work, looking forward to continue to lift up the university, lift up the program. It’s going to be fun.” The excitement surrounding this announcement highlights the bright future that awaits Weber State basketball under Lillard’s stewardship.
