The new general manager of men’s and women’s basketball is Pat Garrity ’98.

In a move that signals a fresh chapter for the university’s storied basketball programs, Pat Garrity ’98 has been named the new general manager of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. This decision, announced earlier this month, has already generated excitement and optimism among fans, alumni, and current players. Garrity’s appointment is not just about bringing in a familiar face; it’s about embracing a bold vision for the future of basketball at this institution.

For those who have followed the university’s athletics over the years, Garrity is hardly a stranger. A 1998 graduate, he was a standout forward for the men’s team and an Academic All-American. Known for his work ethic, leadership on and off the court, and a sharp basketball mind, Garrity left an indelible mark during his collegiate career. But his accomplishments didn’t end at graduation.

Following his collegiate career, Garrity was drafted 19th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and then immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns. He went on to enjoy a successful NBA career, playing nearly a decade in the league, mostly with the Orlando Magic. Garrity’s tenure as a player was defined by his high basketball IQ, his ability to adapt to changing roles, and his consistent three-point shooting. After retiring from the NBA, Garrity seamlessly transitioned into executive roles, including stints as an assistant general manager and in various front office positions.

It is this combination of playing experience, executive insight, and institutional loyalty that makes Garrity uniquely qualified for this new position.The creation of a general manager position for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs is itself a significant development. Traditionally, college basketball programs have been overseen by the head coach and the athletic director, with the support of an operations team. By appointing a general manager, the university signals a shift toward a more professional, holistic approach to program management—one that mirrors the NBA and WNBA’s best practices.

As general manager, Garrity will oversee roster construction, recruiting strategies, and player development initiatives for both the men’s and women’s programs. His responsibilities extend beyond the traditional confines of coaching, encompassing everything from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities to academic support structures and mental health resources for players. In short, Garrity’s role is to create a foundation where coaches can focus on coaching while the overall program is strengthened by top-tier management.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Garrity’s appointment is his simultaneous oversight of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. This dual responsibility is rare in college athletics, but it reflects a progressive and inclusive vision: basketball, regardless of gender, deserves equal attention, resources, and leadership.

Garrity himself has spoken passionately about this aspect of his role. “It’s about building a unified culture of excellence,” he said in a recent interview. “The men’s and women’s programs are different, but they share the same goals: to win championships, to develop leaders, and to represent our university with pride. My job is to make sure both programs have everything they need to succeed.”

His approach underscores the university’s broader commitment to gender equity in athletics—an ethos that has become more central in recent years as schools seek to elevate women’s sports to the same level of prominence as men’s sports.

Garrity’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for recruiting. With the college basketball landscape shifting dramatically—driven by the transfer portal, NIL deals, and early professional opportunities—having someone of Garrity’s caliber to oversee recruiting strategies could be a game-changer.

His NBA and executive experience gives him a unique perspective on talent evaluation and long-term planning. “Recruiting today is about more than just finding players who can help us win games next season,” Garrity explained. “It’s about identifying young people who want to be part of something bigger, who understand that they’re not just athletes—they’re leaders, scholars, and role models.”

This holistic view of recruiting is something that coaches and fans alike have embraced. Already, Garrity has been seen at high-profile AAU tournaments and transfer portal showcases, working to establish relationships and build trust with potential recruits and their families.

Beyond recruiting, Garrity’s focus on player development has resonated with the basketball community. His plan includes not only enhancing on-court performance but also providing robust academic, career, and mental health resources.

“We’re committed to developing the whole person,” Garrity said. “That means working with coaches to make sure our players have the best basketball instruction, but also making sure they’re supported in the classroom and in their lives outside of basketball.”

This approach is in line with what many modern athletes expect from their college programs. It’s no longer enough to be just a basketball factory—players want to know that they’re in an environment that values them as complete human beings. Garrity’s leadership promises to make that a reality.

One of the most significant changes in college basketball in recent years has been the advent of NIL deals, which allow players to profit from their name, image, and likeness. For many programs, navigating this new reality has been a challenge. Garrity’s experience in the NBA and the corporate world makes him particularly well-suited to this task.

His early statements on NIL have been thoughtful and measured. “NIL is an opportunity, not a threat,” he said. “It allows our players to build their personal brands and to get rewarded for the incredible work they do on and off the court. Our job as a program is to help them navigate this world in a way that’s sustainable and aligned with our values.”

Already, Garrity has met with local businesses and national brands to explore partnerships that benefit both the players and the broader community. His efforts in this area are expected to make the university a leader in NIL best practices—further boosting recruiting and overall program prestige.

A central theme in Garrity’s vision is collaboration. He sees his role not as a top-down authority but as a bridge between coaches, players, alumni, and university leadership. “Great basketball programs are built on great relationships,” he said. “My job is to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.”

This collaborative spirit has already been noted by head coaches on both the men’s and women’s teams. In a joint statement, they praised Garrity’s open communication style and his willingness to listen. “Pat understands that coaching is an art and a science,” they said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, but he also respects the expertise of our staff. That balance is what sets him apart.”

Beyond the immediate basketball operations, Garrity has also made it clear that alumni and community engagement will be a major priority. As a proud alum himself, he understands the power of the alumni network to support and elevate the programs.

In his first month on the job, Garrity has already held a series of town halls and meet-and-greet events with former players and program supporters. These events have not just been about raising money—though that’s always important—but about fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride in the direction of the programs.

“Alumni are the backbone of our programs,” Garrity said at a recent event. “Their passion and support are what allow us to dream big.”

Garrity’s background as an executive has also informed his data-driven approach to basketball operations. In a world where advanced analytics are increasingly used to make decisions, Garrity has embraced the use of cutting-edge technology and data analysis to give the teams a competitive edge.

Whether it’s tracking player workloads to prevent injuries, analyzing opponent tendencies, or evaluating recruiting targets, Garrity believes that smart use of data can be the difference between good and great. “We’re in the business of winning,” he said. “And to win, we need to make sure every decision is informed by the best information available.”

While Garrity’s tenure is still in its early days, there are already signs of progress. Recruits have spoken positively about the professionalism of the program under his leadership. Players have expressed appreciation for the increased support and communication. And alumni have been energized by Garrity’s outreach.

Of course, the ultimate test will be on the court. But Garrity understands that success is a marathon, not a sprint. “Our goal is to build something sustainable,” he said. “We want to be competitive today, but we’re also laying the foundation for championships five and ten years from now.”

Garrity’s appointment is more than just a personnel decision. It’s a symbol of the university’s ambition and commitment to excellence in basketball. By uniting the men’s and women’s programs under a single general manager—someone who understands the university’s values and has the expertise to deliver results—the institution is sending a powerful message: We’re all in.

In many ways, Garrity’s journey mirrors the evolution of college basketball itself. As a player, he was known for his intelligence and versatility. As an executive, he honed those same skills in the world’s most competitive league. Now, he brings that full-circle perspective back to the place where it all began.

The next few years promise to be transformative for the men’s and women’s basketball programs. With Garrity at the helm, there’s a sense of renewed optimism—a belief that the best days are yet to come. Fans, alumni, and players alike are eager to see how his leadership will translate into wins on the court and growth off it.

As Garrity himself put it: “This is a place that means a lot to me. It’s where I grew up as a person and as a player. Now, I get to help write the next chapter in its basketball history. I couldn’t be more excited.”

Pat Garrity’s return to his alma mater as the general manager of men’s and women’s basketball marks a new chapter for the university. His blend of playing and executive experience, coupled with his deep understanding of the institution’s culture and values, makes him the ideal leader for this moment.

While the road ahead will undoubtedly have its challenges, Garrity’s appointment has already created a sense of unity and purpose that transcends wins and losses. It’s about building a culture of excellence—one that will serve the programs well for years to come.

As the university community rallies around its new general manager, one thing is clear: with Pat Garrity in charge, the future of basketball has never looked brighter.