Trajan Langdon, known as the "Alaskan Assassin" for his sharpshooting skills, embarked on a basketball journey that took him from the icy courts of Anchorage to the professional arenas of Europe. Born on May 13, 1976, in Palo Alto, California, Langdon's early life was marked by a move to Anchorage, Alaska, where he honed his basketball skills and became a standout player at East Anchorage High School. His prowess on the court earned him a scholarship to Duke University, where he played under the legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.
At Duke, Langdon's basketball career flourished. He became a key player for the Blue Devils, known for his three-point shooting and leadership on the court. During his time at Duke, Langdon helped lead the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in the 1999 NCAA Championship game. His college career was highlighted by his selection as an All-American and his recognition as one of the top shooters in the nation.
Following his successful college career, Langdon was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the 11th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. His time in the NBA, however, was relatively short-lived. Langdon played three seasons with the Cavaliers, where he struggled to find consistent playing time and faced challenges adapting to the physicality and pace of the NBA. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated flashes of his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc.
After his stint in the NBA, Langdon took his talents overseas, where he found a new home in European basketball. He signed with Benetton Treviso in Italy, where he quickly became a fan favorite and a reliable scorer. His European career truly blossomed when he joined CSKA Moscow in Russia. With CSKA, Langdon achieved considerable success, winning multiple Russian League titles and EuroLeague championships. His performance in the EuroLeague earned him a reputation as one of the top American players in Europe during his tenure.
Langdon's time with CSKA Moscow was marked by numerous accolades, including being named to the All-EuroLeague First Team and earning the EuroLeague Final Four MVP award. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his consistent shooting made him a valuable asset to his team. Langdon's European career extended beyond CSKA Moscow, as he also played for Dynamo Moscow and Efes Pilsen in Turkey, further solidifying his status as a respected player in international basketball.
After retiring from professional play, Langdon transitioned into a front-office role, bringing his basketball knowledge and experience to the management side of the sport. He served as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs, where he contributed to the team's talent evaluation and player development efforts. Langdon's post-playing career continued to evolve as he took on the role of assistant general manager for the Brooklyn Nets, where he played a part in shaping the team's roster and strategy.
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