Damian Lillard Named GM of Weber State CBB, NBA Star Played for Wildcats from 2008-12

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard was introduced as Weber State college basketball's new general manager on Saturday.

“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 during an appearance at the school's campus, via Brett Hein of the 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 nine-time All-Star spent his entire college career with the Wildcats from 2008-12.

Weber State announced that Lillard will work closely with athletic department leadership to "provide insight, mentorship, and guidance, using his experience at the collegiate and professional levels to elevate the program."

The 35-year-old also discussed what he'll bring to the role on Saturday.

“All of the resources that I have, I’ve got an opportunity to be able to create for the program, while they’re in the program and even after the program, it’s something I’m excited about,” Lillard said, via Hein. “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.”

He averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game on 44.6/39.0/86.7 shooting splits as a member of the Wildcats. This included a 2011-12 campaign in which he recorded 24.5 points per game on a nightly basis, eventually becoming the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

Lillard isn't the only current NBA star to return to his alma mater in a front office role, as Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young was named Oklahoma's assistant general manager in May.

It's been a busy offseason for Lillard, as he signed a three-year contract worth $42 million with Portland in free agency after the Milwaukee Bucks parted ways with him.

He's currently recovering from a torn Achilles that he suffered during Milwaukee's first-round playoff matchup with the Indiana Pacers.

As Lillard continues to rehab, he'll also navigate through his new duties as Weber State's general manager.