ESPN senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski Set To Retire, Acce...

Source: Allen Berezovsky / Getty

ESPN senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski Set To Retire, Accepts GM Role With Bonnies Basketball Program

Adrian Wojnarowski, the well known NBA insider and Senior Journalist for ESPN, has announced his retirement from sports journalism to assume a new role as the General Manager of the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball program.

This move marks a significant shift in his career, reflecting a deep personal connection to his alma mater and a desire to contribute to the evolving world of college athletics.

Wojnarowski, affectionately known as “Woj,” has been a prominent figure in sports media for his timely and accurate reporting on NBA news and developments.

Over his career, he became a trusted source for breaking news in the NBA, building a reputation that earned him National Sports Media Association’s National Sportswriter of the Year honors in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

In making his retirement announcement, Wojnarowski expressed gratitude for his career while articulating his excitement about returning to St. Bonaventure:

“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.

His decision to retire from ESPN and transition to a role in college athletics illustrates a commitment to helping shape the future of the sport he loves.

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St. Bonaventure University, where Wojnarowski graduated in 1991, holds a special place in his heart.

He and his wife, Amy, have been long-time benefactors to the university, contributing significantly to the basketball program and the Jandoli School of Communication.

Reflecting on his deep ties to the university with his wife, Wojnarowski said:

“We met on this beautiful campus as undergraduates and have shared a lifelong love with the university that continues now.”

His new role as general manager will see Wojnarowski spearheading various initiatives, including managing name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, transfer portal management, and fostering relationships with recruits, families, and alumni.

This position is particularly crucial as college athletics continues to undergo significant changes, and the role of a general manager becomes increasingly vital.

University officials have warmly welcomed Wojnarowski‘s return.

Bob Beretta, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, described his appointment as an “incredible opportunity” for the university. and also shared:

“Woj is the perfect person to fill this new role, combining his intimate knowledge of St. Bonaventure and our Franciscan values with a deep network of relationships he has built across the worlds of professional and intercollegiate basketball,” Beretta stated.

Coach Mark Schmidt, the winningest men’s basketball coach in the school’s history, hailed Wojnarowski‘s addition as a “home run” for the program.

“This move is critical to navigate the new landscape of college basketball in NIL, recruiting, and retention,” Schmidt said, highlighting Wojnarowski’s extensive network and experience.

As Wojnarowski embarks on this new chapter, his decision underscores a broader trend in college sports, where schools seek to leverage professional expertise to enhance their programs.

His involvement with St. Bonaventure is not only a testament to his dedication to the university but also a strategic move that aligns with the institution’s vision for growth and innovation in collegiate athletics.

The impact of Wojnarowski‘s career will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the sports journalism community, but his next endeavor promises to bring new opportunities and successes for St. Bonaventure.

His legacy at ESPN as a pioneering sports journalist will now complement his contributions to shaping the future of college basketball.

Here is Adrian Wojnarowski‘s message on twitter on his retirement.