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Adrian Wojnarowski, a prominent figure in basketball journalism, gained fame during his tenure at ESPN, where he distinguished himself as the leading source for NBA news, famously known for his “Woj Bombs.” Throughout his career, he established a reputation as one of the most reliable insiders in the sports media landscape, frequently breaking crucial stories regarding trades, player signings, and draft selections.
Following his departure from ESPN, Wojnarowski shifted gears to a management position. He is currently the General Manager for St. Bonaventure’s basketball team, where his primary goal is to rebuild a team capable of contending for championships and to prioritize player growth and development.
In this new capacity, he made his inaugural trip to Serbia to scout some of Europe’s top young talents at the Next Generation EuroLeague tournament held in Belgrade.
“There will undoubtedly be many outstanding players at this tournament from across Europe. Some might be prospects for St. Bonaventure in the coming year, while for others, we’re looking to forge connections for the future, especially regarding younger athletes,” Wojnarowski shared with Meridian Sport.
He reflected on his transition from journalism to a front-office role at St. Bonaventure.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to craft a career that surpasses my wildest dreams. I take pride in my past work and my collaborations, but I focus more on the present than reminiscing. Currently, my priority is St. Bonaventure—on reconstructing a championship-contending team and nurturing our players’ potential.”
Shams Charania, who was once his mentee and later emerged as a competitor in breaking significant NBA stories, succeeded him at ESPN.
“The world continues to turn without you. He’s thriving, he’s dedicated, and I sincerely wish for him to have a fulfilling career like mine. ESPN is an incredible workplace, teeming with resources and talented individuals. I hope he enjoys his time there as much as I did.”
Wojnarowski also discussed the ascent of Nikola Jokić within the NBA.
“Jokić has transformed the center position in the NBA—he illustrates that one doesn’t need to be vocal; instead, letting the performance speak volumes is crucial. He rarely discusses himself, consistently highlights the team effort, which is incredibly admirable. Just last night, he made history by becoming the first NBA player to achieve a 30-point, 20-rebound, and 20-assist game. It’s astonishing—not only has he claimed the title of the world’s best player, but the manner in which he achieved it is equally impressive.”
Jokić is not someone who craves attention.
“There are very few athletes of his caliber that the American public knows so little about—but that’s precisely what he desires. He keeps his eyes on the game and the team. Nevertheless, he was exceptionally gracious and modest in Denver, where he was beloved by everyone in the organization. When you speak to his teammates and coaches, they all echo the same sentiment—there’s never been anyone like him. His journey is remarkable—a second-round draft pick, a physique that raised doubts, and a playing style that many struggled to picture at this level. Yet, he not only rose to become the best player in the world, but he may also be one of the greatest centers in the history of basketball. He is truly a phenomenon.”
Additionally, he weighed in on the NBA’s potential expansion into Europe and the prospect of a distinct European league.
“I can only speak to what I’ve observed and read. I think it could be beneficial. I believe it’s only a matter of time before NBA teams make their way to Europe. At the moment, the league is concentrating on expanding into more North American cities, but I truly believe European franchises will emerge eventually. Perhaps this is a preliminary step.
That being said, I don’t think European basketball needs to be ‘Americanized.’ The beauty of the FIBA game stands on its own. The NBA has already incorporated many elements from FIBA, as well as international talent, enriching the league. The Denver Nuggets play in a manner that reflects Jokić’s unique style. Giannis, Dončić, along with several MVPs in the past few years, have all been international players, and this year, even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada is a strong MVP contender.”
As international players gain prominence and more talent makes its way overseas to the NBA or NCAA, it is anticipated that an increasing number of international coaches will also find opportunities in the U.S. in the future.
“Absolutely. Darko Rajaković became an NBA head coach as Toronto sought to cultivate a young roster, and they turned to a Serbian coach with a strong understanding of player development. It used to be American coaches venturing to Europe to impart their basketball knowledge; now, it’s European coaches bringing their expertise to the U.S. That’s a remarkable shift.”
He also mentioned his longtime friend, İsmail Şenol, who made a similar transition from journalism to a front-office position at Anadolu Efes.
“He’s an outstanding journalist, regarded as one of Europe’s finest, and now he’s with Efes. We used to trade notes frequently. Our lives have drastically changed. I believe his transition has been even more profound. I wouldn’t compare the role of general manager at St. Bonaventure to his responsibilities at Efes—his role encompasses much wider responsibilities, involving more individuals and greater stakes. Our program holds immense importance for us, but I report to our head coach. İsmail… I take pride in him,” Wojnarowski concluded.
