Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s senior NBA insider, has announced his new role as the general manager of the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure, his alma mater. A 1991 graduate of the university, Wojnarowski has maintained a strong connection with the program, having served as a fundraiser for its collective in recent years.
In an interview with ESPN, Wojnarowski expressed his excitement about returning to St. Bonaventure and contributing to the university and its athletes. He remarked, “It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches, and institution.” He hopes to add substantial value to the basketball program and assist in shaping the futures of its players.
Wojnarowski has been with ESPN since 2017 and has a background that includes stints at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County, New Jersey. He stated, “I am retiring from a dream job at ESPN and am so incredibly grateful for my time and experiences with the Worldwide Leader.”
The position of general manager has gained traction in college basketball, especially as the transfer portal alters team rosters frequently. Responsibilities will encompass name, image, and likeness management, recruiting, and supporting head coach Mark Schmidt.
Bob Beretta, the athletic director at St. Bonaventure, expressed his enthusiasm for Wojnarowski taking on this role, highlighting his deep understanding of the university’s values and his extensive connections within the basketball community. “The fact that the preeminent journalist in his field is willing to walk away from a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater is a testament to his love and passion for Bona’s,” Beretta stated.
In his farewell message shared on social media, Wojnarowski reflected on his journey in journalism, expressing gratitude for the mentors and colleagues he encountered along the way. He acknowledged the privilege of his time at ESPN, particularly thanking the leadership for supporting his decision to transition into a new phase of his life. Wojnarowski concluded, “After all these years reporting on everyone’s teams, I’m headed back to my own.”
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro praised Wojnarowski, noting his remarkable work ethic and talent. He recognized Wojnarowski’s substantial contributions to the network and expressed understanding of his choice to shift focus towards a more personal and meaningful commitment.