BREAKING: NBA All-Star Damian Lillard Returns to Roots as New GM of Weber State Basketball
In a move that has stunned the basketball world and touched the hearts of fans across the country, Damian Lillard, the NBA All-Star and global icon known for his cold-blooded clutch performances and unwavering loyalty, has returned to where it all began. Weber State University, the humble mid-major institution nestled in Ogden, Utah, is now home once again to the man who became a legend there. But this time, he returns not as a player, not as a guest speaker, but as the new General Manager of the Weber State men’s basketball program. The news spread like wildfire across social media and sports networks, not just for its emotional weight but for the significance it holds for both Lillard and the program he helped put on the map.
Damian Lillard’s journey from an overlooked high school recruit in Oakland, California, to an NBA superstar with numerous All-Star appearances, Olympic gold, and a reputation as one of the most clutch performers in league history is one of perseverance, loyalty, and grit. But throughout his rise, he never forgot where he came from. Weber State gave him a chance when many others didn’t, and he returned the favor by becoming one of the school’s all-time greats. He left Weber in 2012 after earning Big Sky Player of the Year honors and leading the team to the NCAA Tournament. Even after being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers and ascending to NBA superstardom, Lillard stayed close to the university. His number was retired in 2017, and he frequently spoke about the impact the school and the community had on his development both as a player and a man.
So when the news broke that Lillard had accepted the position of General Manager for the Wildcats’ basketball program, it felt like a full-circle moment. The decision is unprecedented in many ways. NBA stars transitioning into management roles is not new, but rarely do they begin their front office careers at the collegiate level, and almost never at their alma maters. This decision by Lillard speaks volumes about his character, his love for Weber State, and his vision for the future of college basketball. In an era defined by NIL deals, player mobility, and evolving relationships between athletes and institutions, Lillard’s return sends a powerful message about identity, roots, and giving back.
According to sources close to the situation, the idea of Lillard taking on a GM role at Weber State had been in discussion for over a year. University officials and athletic department leadership had reportedly been working behind the scenes to create a position that would allow Lillard to have real input and oversight over the basketball program while still honoring his professional commitments. This won’t be a ceremonial title. Lillard is expected to be involved in everything from recruiting strategy and NIL advising to mentoring players, building relationships with donors, overseeing staff hiring, and guiding the long-term vision of the program.
In his introductory press conference held at the Dee Events Center, Lillard sat flanked by Weber State athletic director Tim Crompton and head coach Eric Duft. He appeared emotional but composed, speaking with the same deliberate clarity that has made him a leader throughout his career. “This place changed my life,” Lillard said. “Weber State believed in me when no one else did. I’m not here because it looks good or because it’s some PR move. I’m here because I owe this program everything. And I want to help it grow into something even bigger.” He spoke of the changing landscape of college basketball and emphasized that he wanted to use his experience, network, and resources to help Weber State become a competitive force in the mid-major ranks, not just in the Big Sky but nationally.
Coach Duft, who has led the program since 2022, was visibly excited about the opportunity to work alongside one of the school’s greatest alumni. “Damian brings a championship mindset, global perspective, and unmatched credibility to our program,” Duft said. “The value he adds, both in terms of recruiting and player development, can’t be overstated.” Duft confirmed that Lillard would be hands-on, participating in practices when available, mentoring players through Zoom calls and in-person visits, and acting as a liaison between players and the broader professional basketball ecosystem. He’s already set up a development council of former NBA and college players to offer guidance and mentorship to Weber State athletes.
In many ways, this move is emblematic of Lillard’s values and long-standing commitment to building something from the ground up. He’s never been one to chase trends or glamour. From staying in Portland longer than most stars would to dropping socially conscious bars in his rap albums under the alias “Dame D.O.L.L.A.,” Lillard has always been about substance over spectacle. His return to Weber State reinforces that commitment. It also suggests that Lillard is thinking long-term about life after basketball. While he still has plenty left in the tank as a player—most recently averaging over 24 points and continuing to be a threat on the court—he’s clearly laying the groundwork for a second act that involves leadership, mentorship, and institution building.
Weber State students and alumni have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Social media has been flooded with messages of support and pride. A viral video showed students at the student union erupting in cheers upon hearing the announcement, while alumni took to X (formerly Twitter) to share stories of watching Lillard play in Ogden years ago. Local businesses have already started printing merchandise with slogans like “Dame’s Den” and “Run with Lillard.” The mayor of Ogden declared the day of his appointment “Damian Lillard Day” and city officials are planning a mural to commemorate his return.
Recruiting analysts are already buzzing about the potential ripple effects. One national recruiting service reported that several high-level high school recruits and transfers have reached out to express interest in visiting Weber State following the announcement. Having a current NBA star with deep professional connections running your program is not something many schools can claim. It provides Weber State with a unique recruiting edge, particularly in the increasingly competitive NIL-driven landscape of college athletics. Lillard also hinted that he would be working to create an NIL infrastructure that supports Weber State players and gives them tools to succeed both on and off the court. “I know what it’s like to come from a place with limited resources,” he said. “We’re going to find creative ways to take care of our guys and make Weber a place that develops pros.”
But beyond recruiting and branding, Lillard’s presence will undoubtedly impact the players on a personal level. His story is proof that you don’t need to go to a blue blood to make it. His resilience, discipline, and consistency are qualities every young athlete should emulate. And now, they’ll have a chance to learn from him directly. Sophomore guard Elijah Barnes, a rising star in the program, said that having Lillard in the gym was like “watching a real-life superhero walk in.” He added, “When Dame talks, you listen. You want to soak up everything. This is going to change everything for us.” Multiple players shared that Lillard had already reached out to them individually, offering encouragement and expressing interest in helping them grow their games.
Lillard’s commitment to education and mentorship has been well-documented. He earned his degree from Weber State during his time in the NBA and frequently emphasizes the importance of academic achievement and personal development. That ethos will carry over into his GM role. One of his first initiatives, according to sources, will be the launch of a “Pro Mindset Academy,” a weekly seminar series open to all student-athletes at the university. The program will focus on topics like financial literacy, media training, leadership, and mental health, with guest speakers from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and business. “We’re not just building basketball players,” Lillard said. “We’re building men who can succeed in life.”
This announcement also reignites discussions about the evolving role of athletes in shaping institutions and narratives beyond their playing days. Lillard isn’t just stepping into a management role—he’s redefining what it means to be an ambassador for your alma mater. He’s investing time, resources, and knowledge into a program that once took a chance on him. It’s a model that could inspire other athletes to follow suit, especially at a time when college athletics is undergoing seismic shifts.
While it’s too early to predict what kind of success Weber State will achieve under Lillard’s guidance, the early signs are promising. The energy around the program is electric, and the sense of possibility is palpable. Lillard brings instant credibility, global reach, and a blueprint grounded in authenticity. He’s not here to play a role—he’s here to lead. His track record suggests that when he sets his mind on something, he follows through with relentless determination. From 0-star recruit to NBA All-Star and now General Manager, Lillard’s story continues to evolve in ways that inspire and uplift.
As the press conference came to a close, Lillard took one final question from a local reporter who asked him what he hoped his legacy at Weber State would be. His answer was simple, yet profound. “I want people to say I came back and made a difference,” he said. “That I left it better than I found it.” And if his past is any indication of his future, that legacy is already in motion. Damian Lillard is home. And the Wildcats just got a whole lot stronger.
