ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski is retiring from his position as one of the leading news breakers in professional sports to become the general manager for the men’s basketball program at St. Bonaventure, according to a press release from the team.
“I’m thrilled and humbled to return to St. Bonaventure with an opportunity to serve the university, Coach Mark Schmidt and our elite Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said. “In these changing times of college sports, I’m eager to join a championship program that combines high-level basketball, national television exposure, pro preparation and NIL opportunities with an intimate, supportive educational environment.”
Wojnarowski, who graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1991, has been a major benefactor to the basketball program for many years and wanted to take a step back from the hectic lifestyle that is 24/7 news reporting and give back to the program that helped foster his love of basketball.
“This craft transformed my life, but I’ve decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” Wojnarowski wrote. “I understand the commitment required in my role and it’s an investment that I’m no longer driven to make. Time isn’t in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful.”
General Manager roles have become common for football and men’s basketball programs across the country, with those in position helping to navigate the transfer portal, NIL collectives, recruiting, and overall fundraising – all roles Wojnarowski expects to fill for the Bonnies.
“I’m hopeful to share with members of our community some best practices learned from the most successful franchises and minds in the NBA and committed to opening doors globally for our players both on and off the court,” Wojnarowski said.
The Bonnies have made the NCAA Tournament three times in the Mark Schmidt era dating back to 2007. They were ranked No. 23 in the 2021-22 preseason AP Poll, and last year went 20-13 and 9-9 in conference play.