Adrian Wojnarowski retires from ESPN, joins St. Bonaventure

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has agreed to take over as general manager of the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball program, he told ESPN.

Wojnarowski is a graduate of St. Bonaventure School and has a strong connection to the program, including serving as a fundraiser for the school’s association in recent years. He is a 1991 graduate of Western New York School and a distinguished graduate of the Gandoli School of Communications.

“It is very exciting to return to the university and community I love in a role of serving our student-athletes, coaches and our institution,” Wojnarowski told ESPN. “I am optimistic that I will be able to add value to our basketball program in many ways and open doors for the future of our young people in both professional and personal ways.”

Wojnarowski, 55, has been with ESPN since 2017. He previously worked at Yahoo Sports and The Record of Bergen County (New Jersey), among other stations.

“I have retired from my dream job at ESPN and am extremely grateful for my time and experiences with the world leader,” he said.

The role of general manager has become more common in college basketball in recent years, as the transfer portal has made wholesale roster turnover an integral part of the sport. The role involves assigning name, image and likeness, recruiting and supporting successful Bonnies coach Mark Schmidt.

“Woo is the perfect person for this new position,” said Bob Beretta, St. Bonaventure University athletic director. “He combines 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 college basketball. The fact that a leading journalist in his field is willing to give up a lucrative media career to serve his alma mater in a support role is a testament to his love and passion for Bonaventure.”

In a statement posted to social media, Wojnarowski wrote: “I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from the ESPN campus and never dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter. Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first headline and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it all.

“The career has changed my life, but I have decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry. I understand the commitment required in my role and it is an investment I no longer have to make. Time is not endless and I want to spend my time in ways that are more meaningful to me.

“I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefited more than I have from the faith, trust, and generosity of others.

“The past seven years at ESPN have been a special privilege. I am grateful to the leadership of the company — and especially [ESPN chairman] Jimmy Pitaro and [executive editor] Christina Douglas – To understand and accept the decision to make a change in my life.

“After all these years of reporting on everyone else’s teams, I’m heading to my own team.

“I have known and admired Bog since we first worked together at Yahoo! in 2007. His work ethic is unparalleled. He is incredibly talented and fearless. He has led the industry at ESPN, and his dedication to the craft and the fans is legendary,” Pitaro said in a statement. “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 gratitude and collective support.”