Exclusive Interview With Trajan Langdon

Published by Ryan McNeill on October 16, 2008

It’s been nearly a decade since Trajan Langdon was setting NCAA records and playing in NCAA Finals Fours so it’s easy to forget what kind of talented and gifted player he truly is. After playing WHAT seasons in Cleveland most basketball fans in North America have lost track of his professional career since he began playing in Europe seven years ago. Losing track of the Alaskan Assassin’s career was a big mistake because he has been posting some impressive stats while winning two Euroleague Championships over the past three seasons.

When Langdon was in Toronto earlier this week for a game against the Raptors I talked with him about his favorite memories of playing in Europe, his goals are for the upcoming season and if he has any desire to return to the NBA.

Ryan McNeill: Playing some preseason games in North America has provided you with a chance to visit with some old friends and teammates. How have your past few weeks been?
Trajon Langdon: It’s been good. Obviously we’re coming here with the focus on getting ready for our season because we get back Thursday and we have a game Saturday. This trip is about business.
But coming back here and playing a couple of games back home is enjoyable. It makes for a little bit of an easier training camp.

McNeill: You mentioned going back “home” to Moscow this weekend. What are some of your favourite memories of playing overseas so far?
Langdon: I think the best memories are when you win and we’ve had a chance in the three seasons I’ve been here to win two Euroleague titles and make it to three Finals. I think those are the best memories because getting to those Finals is something everybody who is playing over in Europe aims to do at the beginning of each year and only two teams get to. To be able to get there three times in three years has been great.

McNeill: Being back in North America must bring back memories of playing at Duke and for Cleveland. Are you trying to return to the NBA or are you content playing in Europe?
Langdon: I think earlier in my career for the first few seasons I played in Europe I definitely was. It was something that was on my mind but now after being over in Europe for six seasons and about to start my seventh, I realize and understood this is where my career is. For me the idea of returning to the NBA isn’t pressing and not being able to do so isn’t something I’m disappointed in. I’ve thrived in Europe and I’ve been fortunate to be on successful teams and I’ve had a great career. I don’t know how long I’m going to play (professional basketball) but returning to the NBA is not something I’m pushing for. I’ve found a home in Europe and I’m comfortable.

McNeill: You may not be pushing to come back but you have a general manager watching you tonight who has signed countless players from Europe like Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon and Jorge Garbajosa. Does knowing that put any additional pressure on you tonight?
Langdon: No, not at all. For me this is our last preseason game before start up our season on Saturday so I’m just trying to come out and play well. Of course as an individual I think all of us want to play well and obviously playing in front of an NBA team you’re not only playing against one pro team but you’re getting seen by a lot of pro teams. But I think for us the more important thing is getting ready for our season and getting ready to defend our Euroleague title.

McNeill: Besides defending your Euroleague title, what are some of your team and personal goals for the upcoming season?
Langdon: The good thing with winning titles is you win titles, the bad thing is there are high expectations. So obviously for a team that has achieved what we have over the last three years, and what this organization has reaching six straight Final Fours, winning is kind of an expectation for us to get there. It’s going to be ver difficult for us this year because everybody is going to be gunning for the reigning title holders and we’ve lost some guys and added some new parts. I think we have a chance to be very good this season but it will take some time.

McNeill: Thanks for your time and good luck this season.
Langdon: Thank you.

This article was written by:

Ryan McNeill - who has written 237 posts on Hoops Addict.

Ryan McNeill is the editor for Hoops Addict and has appeared on NBA XL and WSRQ 1220. Ryan has covered the NBA with media credentials since the 2007 season.

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