Latest news with #BigSkyPlayeroftheYear
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
NBA All-Star Damian Lillard hired as GM at alma mater Weber State
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 Field Level Media 2023 - All Rights Reserved
USA Today
03-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Damian Lillard hired to be Weber State men's basketball general manager
Damian Lillard is adding to his workload – outside the NBA. In front of fans during Weber State's Alumni Classic on Aug. 2, the nine-time NBA All-Star guard announced that he has agreed to return to his alma mater to serve as the general manager for the Wildcats' men's basketball program that he once starred in. "Success doesn't come overnight, especially in today's ever-changing basketball landscape. 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 said in a statement. "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." REQUIRED READING: Charlie Baker doubts NCAA basketball tournament expansion can happen for 2025-26 season Noted in Weber State's news release, Lillard will work with the men's basketball staff and Weber State's athletic department in his role. He is also the latest prominent NBA figure to take on a general manager role in college basketball. The two-time Big Sky Player of the Year joins Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young to do so at their alma mater, with Shaquille O'Neal taking on the role at Sacramento State. "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," Lillard told the Standard-Examiner. In his four seasons at Weber State from 2009-2012, Lillard averaged 18.8 points and 3.5 assists per game while shooting a career 44.6% from the field and 86.7% from beyond the arc. His standout senior season earned him All-America honors, making him the first Big Sky player to achieve that feat. He was drafted No. 6 overall by the Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft. "From his days as a Wildcat to his success as a professional, Damian Lillard has remained deeply connected to Weber State, leaving an enduring mark on our university," Weber State's Director of Athletics Tim Crompton said in a statement. "This new role allows him to contribute his vision and experience in a more formal way, further elevating our program. His support provides Coach Duft and the program a tremendous advantage as we continue building for the future. Damian's dedication to Weber State is stronger than ever, further cementing his lasting impact on our community." Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on July 18 after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him. He is expected to miss the 2025-26 season with the Trail Blazers as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon injury that he sustained during the first round of the NBA Playoffs with the Bucks.
GMA Network
03-08-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
NBA All-Star Damian Lillard hired as GM at alma mater Weber State
Apr 25, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after making a basket against the Indiana Pacers in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Photo: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images 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/Reuters
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steele Venters: The Ultimate Gonzaga X-Factor Next Season
After two devastating setbacks, Steele Venters is poised to become the most compelling wild card on Gonzaga's roster heading into the 2025-2026 college basketball season. Venters hasn't appeared in a live college game since March 19, 2023, an eternity in a sport where rhythm and confidence mean everything. The 6-foot-7 wing missed the entire 2023-24 season with a torn ACL, then worked tirelessly to return for 2024-25, only to suffer another cruel blow: a torn Achilles tendon. For most players, back-to-back season-ending injuries would be career-altering, if not career-ending. But for Venters, they've become fuel. Advertisement Before these injuries, Venters was one of the most lethal perimeter threats in the country. At Eastern Washington, he averaged over 16 points per game, knocking down nearly 44% of his three-point attempts. His silky shooting stroke and high basketball IQ earned him Big Sky Player of the Year honors and put him on the national radar as a mid-major star ready to make the leap. As he finally eyes a return to the court, Gonzaga won't ask him to carry the load. Mark Few and the coaching staff are well-stocked with capable scorers and versatile starters. The quartet of Jalen Warley, Adam Miller, Emmanuel Innocenti, and Braden Huff offers the talent and positional flexibility to more than likely fill the 2, 3, and 4 positions, in some combination, in Gonzaga's starting lineup. Gonzaga doesn't need Venters to be a starter. But what Gonzaga does need is a spark, a veteran presence who can come off the bench, stretch the floor, and change the dynamic of a game in spurts. If Venters can give the Bulldogs just 15-plus quality minutes per night and recapture even a portion of his peak form, he could swing the balance of power in marquee matchups and deep tournament runs. Advertisement Venters' value isn't limited to his offensive output. His size and length allow him to switch defensively and contest shots on the perimeter, making him a valuable piece in the Zags' rotational schemes. His maturity and perseverance, forged through two grueling rehabs, give Gonzaga yet another locker room leader. No, Gonzaga isn't banking on Venters to be a star this season, but that's precisely what makes him such an X-factor. He doesn't need to average double figures or start games. He needs to be healthy enough to get hot on the right night, hit a couple of timely threes, and provide a veteran presence when the stakes are highest. For a program with championship ambitions, unexpected contributions often make the difference in March. And if Steele Venters is back, really back, then Gonzaga might have the missing piece that puts them over the top. Related: Win the Day: The Fitting Mantra of Gonzaga's Next Point Guard Braeden Smith
