NBA star Damian Lillard has taken over as general manager at his former college while he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon.
Lillard is a nine-time All-star who last month signed a three-year $42million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
But rather than spend next season on the sidelines, Lillard has accepted a job as the general manager at his alma mater, Weber State.
The 35-year-old spent four seasons at Weber State in Utah before being drafted sixth overall by Portland in 2012.
He joined the Bucks in 2023 and remained there until July, when he was waived. Lillard had helped Milwaukee reach the NBA playoffs last season.
But he tore his left Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the first round of the postseason. Lillard underwent surgery in May and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Damian Lillard has taken over as GM of Weber State while he recovers from a torn Achilles
Lillard is already a rapper alongside his NBA career – under the stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A. – and now he will work in the front office, too.
The 35-year-old will ‘shape the future of Wildcat basketball… (as) a key advisor and mentor to the team as it looks to compete at the highest level,’ Weber State said.
As GM, Lillard is set to ‘work closely with the coaching staff and athletic department leadership to provide insight, mentorship, and guidance.’ The basketball legend announced his new career while hosting an alumni game at Weber State.
‘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, per the Ogden Standard-Examiner.
‘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 Weber State Wildcats haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2016. They went 12-22 last season.
‘I believe in what this program represents and the culture that continues to grow at Weber State,’ Lillard said in a statement.
