(VOR News) – Adrian Wojnarowski is leaving journalism to become St. Bonaventure men’s basketball general manager.
“I am delighted and honoured to be back at St. Bonaventure University, and the chance to contribute to Coach Mark Schmidt and our prestigious Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said.
“During these dynamic eras of collegiate athletics, I am excited about becoming part of a championship program that integrates elite basketball, widespread television visibility, professional training, and future-oriented learning opportunities inside a close-knit and nurturing educational setting.”
Wojnarowski will help the coaching staff recruit, engage with families and alumni players, raise money for professional player programs, coordinate collective efforts, run the transfer portal, and capitalise on NIL opportunities as general manager.
Since 2022, some mid-major and power conference schools have hired general managers, especially for men’s basketball and football, to keep up with the fast-changing collegiate sports market.
The director of basketball operations wanted to share NBA success stories and new ideas with the community. The director also stressed the importance of global possibilities for our players in athletics and in life.
Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bob Beretta called Wojnarowski’s selection a “incredible opportunity” for the university, men’s basketball, and athletics.
“Amidst significant upheaval in the intercollegiate athletics industry, we are conclusively demonstrating that St. Bonaventure remains at the vanguard of transformation,” he said. “This is an audacious decision that is in line with our institutional objectives to sustain and thrive.”
Beretta believes Wojnarowski’s global basketball network will aid the endeavour.
Woj understands St. Bonaventure and Franciscan ideals, the president stated, in addition to his extensive professional and intercollegiate basketball network.
“The willingness of the most accomplished journalist in his profession to relinquish a lucrative media career in order to provide support to his alma mater is a clear indication of his deep affection and great enthusiasm for Bonaventure.”
Schmidt called Wojnarowski’s hire a “home run.”
“Recruiting and retention in the new NIL college basketball landscape are crucial,” said Schmidt, the school’s most successful men’s basketball coach. “Woj is as connected as anyone in the basketball world and his decades-long network of relationships can only help our program remain among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 going forward.”
Wojnarowski plans to leave his lucrative ESPN position in 2022 to support the university that changed his life. The Jandoli School of Communication and Basketball has received funding from him and his 92-year-old wife Amy.
“I express my gratitude to President (Jeff) Gingerich, Bob Beretta, Coach Schmidt, and the collective St. Bonaventure community for extending a warm reception to my wife, Amy, and myself as we reintegrate into the campus community in a new capacity,” he stated. “The university’s stunning campus immediately enthralled us as undergraduate students.” I’m ready to work.
Today on ESPN on X, 1991 graduate Wojnarowski retired.
“While this craft has had a profound impact on my life, I have made the decision to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” he stated. “While I acknowledge the commitment inherent in my work, my level of motivation has diminished compared to my previous state.” The objective is to optimise the use of my finite time.
Wojnarowski edited Yahoo Sports’ Vertical for two years before joining ESPN in 2017. In nearly ten years at The Record of New Jersey, he won two APSE Columnist of the Year awards. He worked for the Waterbury Republican-American and the Fresno Bee for years.
The National Sports Media Association awarded Wojnarowski the Peer Recognition Award for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Red Smith, Jim Murray, Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Bob Ryan, and Tom Verducci have won this competition three years running.
Wojnarowski wrote “The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty,” a New York Times bestseller.
Wojnarowski received an honorary degree in 2022, spoke at the university’s graduation ceremony, and was named Jandoli School Alumnus of the Year for 2019. His name was also on the school’s Wall of Distinguished Graduates.
Amy and Adrian’s return to Bonaventure will be commemorated with a news conference on Wednesday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the Quick Centre for the Arts theatre. Residents of the university can attend.
SOURCE: BONNIES
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