In an evolving landscape where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping college athletics, a new trend has emerged: active NBA players are returning to their alma mater to serve in administrative roles. These positions, often titled "assistant general manager" or "general manager," are more than just honorary titles. NBA players are leveraging their star power, professional success, and deep understanding of the game to help their former college programs with everything from recruiting and fundraising to alumni relations and strategic planning, creating a unique and beneficial synergy between professional athletes and collegiate sports.

Capitalizing on the innovative trend of merging professional and collegiate sports, here are Four Current NBA Players Who Are GMs of their Alma Mater’s Basketball Program

Stephen Curry, Assistant General Manager for the Davidson Basketball Programs

Before he became one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Stephen Curry came to national prominence at Davidson College with his incredible performance during the NCAA Tournament in 2009. Always looking to give back to his alma mater, the Golden State Warriors superstar was named the assistant general manager for both the men's and women's basketball programs at Davidson. Along with his wife Ayesha,  he helped create an eight-figure fund to support Davidson athletes.

"The Davidson experience is top notch," Curry said in a statement at the time of his appointment. "My journey from when I got to Davidson in 2006 to now demonstrates that I had the opportunity to play basketball at the highest level, got a great education, an amazing network through the Davidson alumni, and continue to wave the Davidson flag. I want very talented, high-character student athletes to have that same experience."

Trae Young, Assistant General Manager for the Oklahoma Men's Basketball Program

Trae Young burst onto the national radar as a dynamic scorer during his freshman year for the Oklahoma Sooners. In only one year of college ball during the 2017-18 season, Young averaged 27.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 32 games. Now a two-time All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks, Young was appointed assistant general manager for the men's basketball program at the University of Oklahoma. He also made a $1 million donation to the program and hopes to be hands-on in helping with recruiting.

“I'm excited to announce that I'm accepting a role with OU basketball in being an assistant GM, as well as making a million-dollar donation, to help kickstart this whole thing," Young said in his announcement. "So it's exciting to be a part of this, and being from Norman and playing there, obviously, it's exciting times. And I'm looking forward to being in this new role."

Terance Mann, Assistant General Manager, Florida State University

In April, Terance Mann of the Brooklyn Nets accepted an assistant general manager position at his former school, Florida State University. As assistant GM, Mann will help by “supporting strategic roster management, optimization of talent acquisition, and developing future professional basketball players on and off the court.” He will also be a primary partner in FSU's alumni advisory council, established by head coach Luke Loucks.

"My experience at Florida State played a tremendous role in shaping my career," Mann said. "I'm so excited to take on this role and work to help FSU get to a national championship."

“Terance Mann is a tremendous representative of Florida State," Loucks added. "He was part of one of the best stretches in recent FSU men's basketball history and has continued to be an impact player in the NBA. Terance loves Florida State and will now have the ability to directly influence the people within our program.

Damian Lillard, General Manager at Weber State

Damian Lillard is not only returning to the Portland Trailblazers but to his alma mater, Weber State, to serve as the general manager. The nine-team NBA All-Star made the announcement while hosting the Weber State Basketball Alumni Classic in Ogden, Utah. In this new role, Lillard will serve as a “key advisor” and “mentor” to the team, and work closely with the coaching staff and the athletic department’s leadership, “using his experience at the collegiate and professional levels to elevate the program.”

“I believe in what this program represents and the culture that continues to grow at Weber State,” Lillard said in a release. “The support of our community is vital to the program’s success, and I am committed to playing a greater role in that effort. This opportunity allows me to be even more involved in shaping the future of Weber State basketball.”