Damian Lillard Drops Bold Statement Amid Roller Coaster Season

Former Weber State Wildcats star Damian Lillard has delivered a strong claim amid the Milwaukee Bucks' trying NBA season.

Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shown on the court prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for former Weber State Wildcats star Damian Lillard since he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks prior to the 2023-24 NBA campaign.

Lillard struggled to fit in during his debut season with the Bucks, shooting just 42.4 percent from the floor and 35.4 percent from three-point range as Milwaukee ended up being one of the most disappointing teams in basketball.

The Bucks then got off to a brutal start this year, but have gradually rebounded thanks much in part to some resurgent play from Lillard, who is averaging 25.4 points per game on 44.8/37.6/92.1 shooting splits.

In the midst of Milwaukee's turnaround, the Weber State legend recently dropped a strong statement on the Bucks as they prepare for a potential playoff run.

“We’re trusting more than we have all year," Lillard said, via Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I think our spirit is as good as it’s been all year, just throughout the team and it’s happening at the right time. We've got to hold on to that and continue to build on that.”

Lillard spent four seasons at Weber State between 2008-09 and 2011-12, capping off his marvelous collegiate career by registering 24.5 points per game during his final year with the Wildcats.

Overall, the 34-year-old posted 18.6 points per game while draining 39 percent of his long-distance tries throughout his NCAA tenure. He was then selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the sixth overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft.

Lillard spent the first 11 years of his professional career with the Blazers before being dealt to the Bucks ahead of last season. He has made nine All-Star appearances.