The top prospects usually enter the NBA Draft after just one season in college. However, Damian Lillard was one of the rare players to play four seasons in college. As a result, he was much more prepared for the league en route to the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Through five seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard has established himself as a two-time All-Star. As a result, Weber State has retired his No. 1 jersey according to Twitter:

Article Continues Below
More Trail Blazers News
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) reacts after helping secure a 121-119 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center.
Deandre Ayton becomes top free agent center after Blazers contract buyoutMalik Brown ·
Yang Hansen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Trail Blazers
Blazers rookie Yang Hansen drops all-time quote on life away from basketballZachary Howell ·
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1Rishav Bhat ·
Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Climate Pledge Arena.
Blazers make swift move on Arizona star after NBA DraftAlex House ·
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) and forward Grant Williams (12) react in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during game five of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden.
Celtics’ trade proposal for Robert Williams brings much-needed depthBailey Bassett ·
Deandre Ayton photoshopped in Hornets jersey with number.
Hornets’ trade proposal for Deandre Ayton finds Mark Williams replacementBailey Bassett ·

Coming from a mid-major school, Lillard has exceeded expectations as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. While the point guard position is perhaps the league's most talented position, he has held his own, averaging 27.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists this past season.

After being swept in the first round of the playoffs to the defending champion Golden State Warriors, Lillard and CJ McCollum have both been recruiting Carmelo Anthony to Portland. Unfortunately, the 10-time All-Star has a no-trade clause and is only eyeing the Houston Rockets if he wants to leave the New York Knicks.

With the 2017-18 NBA season approaching, it will be interesting to see if Lillard can lead the Blazers to the playoffs once again. As the Western Conference has gotten more talented during the offseason, it will be up to the Blazer's backcourt to keep them competitive.