ESPN loses prominent NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who takes a job with a college basketball program.
Wojnarowski frequently broke NBA news on social media with "Woj Bombs."
ESPN's Senior NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, has decided to leave broadcasting after more than seven years.
St. Bonaventure will hire Wojnarowski as its first-ever general manager, after ESPN confirmed his retirement.
Wojnarowski will oversee various areas of the basketball program while working with coach Schmidt and the coaching staff in his new role.
Wojnarowski will manage the transfer portal, recruitment, and alumni player relationships, while focusing on NIL opportunities.
Wojnarowski expressed excitement about his new opportunity.
"Wojnarowski expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to return to St. Bonaventure and serve the university. He stated that he hopes to share best practices learned from successful NBA franchises and influential minds with the community. Additionally, he is committed to opening doors for players both on and off the court globally."
Wojnarowski also took to social media to reflect on his sports media career.
Growing up as the son of a factory worker near ESPN's campus, I always aspired to become a sportswriter. Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline, and I have been chasing the thrill of it ever since.
"Although this craft has greatly impacted my life, I have decided to step away from ESPN and the news industry. I recognize the dedication needed for my job and it's no longer a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Time is a valuable resource and I want to allocate it to pursuits that are more fulfilling to me personally."
In 1991, Wojnarowski graduated from St. Bonaventure with a journalism degree. He received an honorary doctorate from the school in 2022. The 55-year-old has worked at ESPN since 2017 and recently announced his retirement, despite still being under a contract with the Disney-owned media company.
From 2017 to 2019, Wojnarowski was named the National Sports Media Association's top sportswriter nationally.
Wojnarowski's addition to Schmidt's staff was described as a "home run" by Schmidt, who stated that this move is crucial for navigating the new landscape of college basketball in NIL, recruiting, and retention.
In the southwest corner of New York, approximately a 90-minute drive south of Buffalo, lies St. Bonaventure, nestled amid the Allegany Mountains.
The Catholic school, having an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students, aims to leverage Wojnarowski's fame by creating a GM role in the NIL era, similar to other programs. Wojnarowski is renowned for breaking NBA news through his "Woj Bombs" on social media.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Wojnarowski will be missed.
"Pitaro stated that although 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 we have his collective gratitude and support."
"Stephen A. Smith, the host of "First Take," was left "devastated" after his colleague Wojnarowski left "NBA Countdown.""
"Smith expressed his devastation on social media, writing, "Oh no! What a loss for us here at ESPN. The best in the business, @wojespn. I'll miss you, Buddy.""
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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