Golden Eagles retire jersey of alumnus, NBA Spurs general manager Wright

On trajectories

In 2014 Wright was recognized during La Sierra’s alumni weekend with a Rising Star award from the Zapara School of Business and has returned to La Sierra’s campus several times to give presentations to business students interested in the school’s sports management and other programs. The Feb. 12 jersey retirement ceremony was preceded by a Troesh Talks colloquium where Wright spoke to La Sierra students at the La Sierra University Church through an interviewed by church lead pastor, Iki Taimi. 

"They were always the pillar of excellence. I was in complete awe of that moment.” – Brian Wright, ZSB Alumnus, San Antonio Spurs General Manager 

Sitting in chairs on a stage with a Golden Eagles-branded backdrop, Taimi presented questions categorized into three topics to gain insight into Wright’s journeys in the professional, faith, and leadership spaces, and culminating with Wright’s advice to students.

“One thing I’ll say is it’s never linear,” Wright said of professional advancement. “Sometimes you have to go backward to go forward.” He noted that his first promotion involved a significant pay cut but came with important additional responsibilities that provided learning opportunities. “Through the windy road of learning and having great mentors and being willing to take a few chances, it ultimately led me here,” he said. 

The opportunity to interview with the Spurs for the initial assistant general manager’s role came to him as an invitation. “They called me out of the blue,” Wright said. “I was at summer league scouting for the Detroit Pistons. I got a call from legendary Spurs Chief Executive Officer R.C. Buford. I was scared to death. I didn’t know anybody with the Spurs, really. They were always the pillar of excellence. I was in complete awe of that moment.”

After the interview with Buford, Wright assumed he would not get the job. But a couple of weeks later he was invited to meet with famed former Head Coach Gregg Popovich, currently Spurs president of basketball operations. “I didn’t eat or sleep for two weeks” before the interview, which centered on conversations about NCAA Division III basketball in Southern California. “That was the easiest interview of all time,” Wright said. “I don’t know if I’m getting the job,” he recalled thinking, “but [Popovich] was awesome. I was telling him stories, and he was telling me stories.”

Wright was selected as the Spurs assistant general manager in the 2016-2017 season, three years before his promotion to general manager. He recalled the servant leadership he has observed in both Buford and Popovich over the years. “Just the quality of people, the leadership mentors that I’ve been exposed to and had the privilege to be around, it’s just been an incredible experience,” he said.

Stay rooted

Wright told the students that their college experiences will provide valuable lessons in how to interact and work with people, and how best to learn. He advised them to enter new opportunities “with an open mind, ready to work” and to find and follow their passions. “Chase your passions without fear,” he said. “Never let one setback or failure or lack of opportunity stop you from pushing. The hard times are meant to harden you and shape you for what’s to come, not to stop you from where you’re going.

“… that journey in faith-based institutions gives you the foundation to go through life…” – Brian Wright, Alumnus, San Antonio Spurs GM

“Along the way you’re going to make some mistakes,” he continued, “but you’re going to find yourself and once you find yourself, stay rooted in who you are and when you’re consistent in who you are and how you show up and what you value, then the rest of life gets a little bit easier.”

Wright also reflected on the impact of Christian education in his life. During the eighth grade, his parents transitioned him from public school to Takoma Academy for its spiritual influences. Wright mostly wanted to play basketball, which he was able to do at the school. “But you look back on it and that journey in faith-based institutions gives you the foundation to go through life,” he said. “It’s not always linear, but God is always there for you and you can lean on him through the hard times and through the great times. I’ve gone through my own individual personal journey and [I’m] appreciative of the foundation at La Sierra and the other institutions.”

When asked how he creates a sense of belonging as a leader where contracts are temporary, Wright responded that it begins with transparency, honesty and communication, and keeping in mind the impact of trade deals on players and their families. 

Wright strives to lead by surrounding himself with “some really incredible people,” he said. “I’ve tried to listen more than I talk and decisions get easier when you surround yourself with people who are willing to challenge you. Build the relationships, build the trust, lead with vulnerability, honesty and transparency.”

Celebrating impact

Wright’s jersey retirement event attracted attendees from the region and from other states including Maryland where he grew up. Several commented on the meaning of the occasion, including Wright’s wife, Cara Wright.

“I’m just very proud of him,” she said following the jersey retirement ceremony. “From the first time he put on his jersey, it became a symbol of his hard work, determination and passion for the game and life. He’s given his all to this game and our family, and it’s been a joy to watch him shine and rise in his career.”

She said to Wright, ‘The countless early mornings, late nights and unwavering commitment to your family and your career have not only inspired those around you but has also filled my heart with admiration. So the jersey is not just the player and the accomplishment, it’s also the incredible husband and father. You’ve shown our family the importance of dedication, teamwork, both on and off the court.”

“It’s a really awesome experience because we get to support our former alumnus." – Jordan Chan, Junior Finance Major

“For Brian to be back tonight and to see so many of his former teammates here is an absolute thrill,” said Stan Morrison, former La Sierra Athletics Advisory chair and current university foundation board chair. An inductee of the California Sports Hall of Fame, Morrison is a renowned NCAA-championship winning collegiate basketball coach. He is also a board member with the Riverside Sport Hall of Fame which recognized Wright in 2003 and 2004.

“I thought his interview at the church was brilliant,” Morrison said, sitting in bleachers prior to the start of the jersey retirement event in the gymnasium. “He’s so incredibly aware of what leadership is about. I am thrilled for him.”

“I was blown away by the level of questions and answers during the ceremony,” said Gerry Hurley, Riverside Sport Hall of Fame charter member and past president. “He’s on our short list for inclusion into our Hall of Fame in the future.”

On February 10, the Spurs played the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in L.A. La Sierra students from the Zapara School of Business along with dean Thomas and other staff and faculty attended the game at Wright’s invitation.

Third-year accounting and finance major Jordan Chan expressed excitement about being at the game and supporting an alumnus who has achieved a prominent position with the NBA. 

“It’s a really awesome experience because we get to support our former alumnus,” Chan said. “Just being here to see [what] could be the potential of either me or other business students, I think that’s really inspiring. I’m excited to talk with Brian to see how I can better improve my skills and abilities so I can be where he’s at today.”