Magic guard Desmond Bane is going back to college.
Well, sort of.
Bane, a Texas Christian University graduate, was named as the “chief basketball officer” for the TCU men’s basketball program, the Big 12 school announced Monday.
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In the role, Bane will “volunteer his time as special advisor” to TCU coach Jamie Dixon and the Horned Frogs program, “bringing high-level insight and professional basketball experience to player development, leadership and life as an elite athlete,” the school said.
Bane will also become a mentor to TCU student-athletes, offer guidance on career management and serve as a liaison to the NBA, according to the school.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve as TCU’s chief basketball officer,” Bane said in a press release. “My time as a student-athlete at TCU was truly special, and it is a privilege to now continue my connection with the program in this new role. I am grateful to coach Dixon for the opportunity to build a closer relationship with the program and make a meaningful impact on the lives and development of our student-athletes.
“I look forward to helping build upon the success and culture that coach Dixon has established within TCU Basketball,” he added.
The trend of NBA players helping out the schools they attended is one that’s grown in this relatively new age of college athletes being able to profit off their name, image and likeness.
Warriors star Stephen Curry was named the assistant general manager for Davidson basketball in March 2025. That same month, Wizards star Trae Young was named the assistant general manager for the men’s basketball program at the University of Oklahoma.
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In the state of Florida, Nets guard Terance Mann was named the assistant general manager for the men’s basketball program at FSU in April 2025.
Bane was a two-time All-Big 12 Conference selection during his college career from 2016-20 and still ranks as TCU’s all-time leader in 3-pointers (249), wins (84) and games played (141), according to the school. The Indiana native also ranks third all-time in points with 1,784, third with 659 made field goals and fifth in 3-point percentage (43.3%).
His No. 1 jersey was retired at TCU on Feb. 18, 2025. Bane, who played in a Big 12-leading 36 minutes per game as a senior, never missed a game in his career, according to the school.
He graduated with a youth advocacy degree in 2020, the same year he was drafted No. 30 overall by the Grizzles. After five seasons in Memphis, he was acquired by the Magic last summer in a blockbuster trade.
“We are thrilled to welcome Desmond Bane as our Chief Basketball Officer,” TCU’s Dixon said in a statement. “As a TCU graduate and six-year NBA professional, Desmond brings a unique combination of experience, perspective and passion for the Horned Frog basketball program, making him an outstanding fit for this role.
“Desmond will serve as an invaluable resource for our players and staff, sharing insight on player development, analytics and the evolving trends of the game through the lens of his NBA experience,” he added. “His ability to connect with our student-athletes, provide mentorship and help guide their growth on and off the court will be a tremendous asset to our program.”
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Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]