NBA Franchise Appoints Angel Reese’s Former Teammate to GM Role

The Utah Jazz have struggled in recent seasons. Since trading stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in 2022, the Jazz have embarked on a franchise rebuild. But progress to return to contention has been slow, and the Jazz posted a 17-65 record this season -- the team's worst since it moved to Utah from New Orleans in 1979.

As such, Utah is doing a bit of restructuring in the weeks before the 2025 NBA Draft, where the franchise holds the fifth overall pick. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Jazz on Monday promoted Salt Lake City Stars general manager Marquis Newman to Director of Pro Scouting, bringing an end to his four-year stint in the G League affiliate's front office.

To replace Newman, the SLC Stars have elevated Katie Benzan, who becomes the second female GM in the G League as her reputation continues to grow.

Some basketball fans might remember Benzan as a collegiate teammate of the Chicago Sky's star forward Angel Reese. In 2020, Benzan transferred from Harvard to Maryland, where she teamed up with Reese for two seasons. 

A strong three-point shooter, Benzan's scoring touch and leadership in the backcourt helped the Terrapins reach consecutive regional semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Benzan then entered the WNBA, while Reese transferred to LSU after receiving a third-team All-America nod in 2021-22.

Entering the WNBA as an undrafted rookie, Benzan played three games for the Washington Mystics during the 2022 season, becoming the league's first player of Dominican heritage. She then joined the Jazz's basketball operations department, and the 2024-25 season saw her serve as the SLC Stars' assistant GM.