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:
No. 1 now retired for @Dame_Lillard with @WeberStateMBB. #WeAreWeber 🏀 pic.twitter.com/cTesSPr4KA
— Weber State Athletics (@weberstate) August 27, 2017
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.