NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski announced his retirement from ESPN and the news industry Wednesday, a stunning announcement for a prominent U.S. sports reporter who regularly broke news to players, coaches and executives as well as fans.

ESPN will lose Wojnarowski to the St. Bonaventure men's basketball program, where he'll be the general manager for his alma mater. The network reported that Wojnarowski, 55, is a 1991 graduate of the western New York school and a distinguished alumnus from the Jandoli School of Communication.

"I grew up the son of a factory worker two miles from ESPN's campus and only ever dreamed of making a living as a sportswriter," Wojnarowski wrote on his Twitter/X account, which had 6.5 million followers as of Wednesday. "Thirty-seven years ago, the Hartford Courant gave me my first byline and I never stopped chasing the thrill of it all. This craft transformed my life, but l've decided to retire from ESPN and the news industry."

"I understand the commitment required in my role and it's an investment that I'm no longer driven to make," Wojnarowski continued. "Time isn't in endless supply and I want to spend mine in ways that are more personally meaningful. I leave with overwhelming gratitude for countless mentors and colleagues, subjects and stories, readers and viewers. No one has benefitted more than me from the belief, trust and generosity of others.

"The past seven years at ESPN have been a particular privilege. I'm appreciative of the company's leadership -- especially Jimmy Pitaro and Cristina Daglas -- for the understanding and acceptance of my decision to make a life change. After all these years reporting on everyone's teams, I'm headed back to my own."

College basketball teams have been more likely to appoint general managers as the transfer portal has made roster turnover more common. According to a press release from the school, Wojnarowski will serve the Bonnies' coaching staff in managing a wide range of responsibilities including name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities and as a liaison with collectives; transfer portal management; recruit, family and alumni player relationships; professional player programs; and program fundraising.

Bob Beretta, St. Bonaventure's vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, said in the release that Wojnarowski's global network of connections in the basketball world will be an "invaluable asset" for the program.

"At a time of tremendous turbulence within the intercollegiate athletics enterprise, we are making a strong statement that St. Bonaventure continues to be on the forefront of change," Beretta said. "This a bold move that aligns with our institutional goals to continue to grow and flourish."

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN's chairman, said in a statement that Wojnarowski's work ethic is "second to none" -- an asset that should translate to his new venture.

"He has led the industry at ESPN, and his dedication to the craft and to fans is legendary," Pitaro's statement read. "While we will miss his daily output, we completely understand his decision to make a lifestyle change and slow down a bit. We know he will continue to thrive in this next chapter, and he has our collective gratitude and support."