Adrian Wojnarowski returns to St. Bonaventure as GM of basketball team
- Adrian Wojnarowski is retiring from ESPN to become the general manager of the men's basketball program at St. Bonaventure University.
- His responsibilities will include managing NIL opportunities, transfer portal activities, and recruiting, while working closely with coach Mark Schmidt.
- This move reflects a strategic adaptation to the evolving landscape of college basketball and highlights Wojnarowski's commitment to his alma mater.
Adrian Wojnarowski, a prominent ESPN NBA reporter, has decided to retire from broadcasting to take on the role of general manager for the men's basketball program at St. Bonaventure University, his alma mater. This newly created position will see him collaborating closely with head coach Mark Schmidt and the coaching staff, focusing on various aspects of the program, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, transfer portal management, and recruiting efforts. Wojnarowski expressed his excitement about returning to the university, emphasizing his commitment to sharing best practices learned from his extensive experience in the NBA. Graduating from St. Bonaventure in 1991 with a journalism degree, Wojnarowski has built a distinguished career, including accolades such as being a two-time APSE columnist of the year and the National Sportswriter of the Year from 2017 to 2019. His decision to leave ESPN, where he had been since 2017, comes despite having a contract signed in 2022, indicating a significant lifestyle change for the 55-year-old journalist. His move is seen as a strategic response to the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in relation to NIL and recruitment. St. Bonaventure, a small Catholic school located in the Allegany Mountains of New York, aims to leverage Wojnarowski's name recognition and extensive basketball connections to enhance its program. The university's leadership views his hiring as a critical step in navigating the challenges faced by intercollegiate athletics today. Wojnarowski's addition is expected to bring valuable insights and opportunities for the players both on and off the court. The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both the university and Wojnarowski, who is eager to contribute to the community that shaped his early career. His presence is anticipated to make a significant impact on the program's future, as St. Bonaventure seeks to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.