While Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers didn't have much to celebrate after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, there was one thing that could quickly change his mood. His college graduation.
Two days after his first round exit, Lillard fulfilled a promise to his mother and graduated from college. Lillard left Weber State after his junior year to enter the NBA but continued to take classes so he could get his college degree. Earning a degree in Professional Sales, Lillard gave a short speech at his graduation.
In his speech, Lillard touched on many of the same themes that he made in a statement through his agent Goodwin Sports Management.
"As I finished my junior year and opted to enter the NBA Draft early, I knew it would be hard to accomplish the goal I had set. I'm so thankful that WSU and its faculty were able to work with me and help guide me along the way to graduation. "It has always been my goal to complete my degree ... Receiving my degree will be an extremely proud moment for me and my family. It's one of the greatest accomplishments of my life."
According to a 2012 New York Times story, only 21 percent of players in the NBA have an undergraduate degree. Lillard is now be part of that group.
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard is now officially a Weber State University graduate. #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/ThnHFgGKAV
— Weber State Wildcats (@weberstate) May 1, 2015
