Adrian Wojnarowski, a senior NBA expert for ESPN, has agreed to become general manager of the St. Bonaventure men's basketball program, he told ESPN.
Wojnarowski is a St. Bonaventure alumnus and has a strong connection to the program, including serving as a fundraiser for the school’s collective in recent years. He graduated in 1991 from the Western New York school and is a distinguished alumnus of the Jandoli School of Communication.
“It's a unique thrill to be able to return to a university and community that I love to serve our student-athletes, coaches and institution,” Wojnarowski told ESPN. “I'm hopeful that I can bring value in many areas to our basketball program and open doors for the future of our young men, both professionally and personally.”
Wojnarowski, 55, has been with ESPN since 2017. He previously worked at Yahoo Sports and The Record in Bergen County, New Jersey, among other stops.
“I am retiring from a dream job at ESPN and am incredibly grateful for my time and experiences with the world's leader,” he said.
In recent years, the role of general manager has become more common in college basketball as the transfer portal has made turnover an inherent part of the sport. The role includes name, image and likeness designation, recruiting and supporting the Bonnies' successful coach, Mark Schmidt.
“Woj is the perfect person to fill this new role, as he combines his deep knowledge of St. Bonaventure and our Franciscan values with a deep network of relationships he has built in the world of professional and intercollegiate basketball,” said St. Bonaventure Athletic Director Bob Beretta. “The fact that the preeminent journalist in his field is willing to leave behind a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater in a supporting role is a testament to his love and passion for Bona's.”
In a statement posted on social media, Wojnarowski wrote: “I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN's campus and only dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter. Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first story and I've never stopped chasing the thrill of it all.
“My job has transformed my life, but I have decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment my role requires and it is an investment I no longer feel obligated to make. Time is not infinite and I want to use mine in ways that are most meaningful to me personally.
“I leave with overwhelming gratitude to my countless mentors and colleagues, my subjects and my stories, my readers and my viewers. No one has benefited more than I from the faith, trust and generosity of others.
“The past seven years at ESPN have been a particular privilege. I am grateful for the company's leadership, especially [ESPN chairman] Jimmy Pitaro and [executive editor] Cristina Daglas – for understanding and accepting my decision to make a life change.
“After all these years of reporting on everyone's teams, I'm back on my own.”
Pitaro said in a statement: “I have known and admired Woj since we first worked together at Yahoo! in 2007. His work ethic is second to none. He is extraordinarily talented and courageous. He has led the industry at ESPN, and his dedication to the craft and the fans is legendary. While we will miss his daily output, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter, and he has our collective gratitude and support.”
