Trajan Langdon, the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans, has recently taken on an additional role that speaks volumes about his commitment to community service. Langdon has joined the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Son of a Saint. This decision highlights not only his professional accomplishments but also his dedication to giving back to the community.
Sonny Lee, the founder of Son of a Saint, shared the news with Pelicans Scoop, noting that Langdon accepted an invitation to become a board member. Langdon’s tenure began at the last board meeting where he committed to serving for three years. After this initial term, he will have the option to continue for another term or seek an officer position within the organization.
Connecting Organizations for Greater Impact
Sonny Lee explained that the connection between Langdon and Son of a Saint came about through mutual acquaintances. Lee, alongside Board Chairman Bill Hines, met with Langdon to discuss potential synergies between Son of a Saint and the New Orleans Pelicans. The conversation revealed a shared vision, leading to Langdon’s enthusiastic decision to join the board.
Son of a Saint provides mentorship, emotional support, and life skills development for fatherless boys in the Greater New Orleans area. One aspect of the organization that particularly resonated with Langdon is its travel program. Langdon, who first traveled abroad to Argentina at 18, understands the transformative power of experiencing life beyond one’s immediate environment. He believes this exposure is crucial for the young men involved in the program.
A Personal Connection to Community Service
Langdon’s involvement with Son of a Saint is deeply personal. He aims to involve his own sons, aged 11 and 14, as volunteers. This commitment underscores Langdon’s belief in the organization’s mission and his desire to instill similar values in his children.
Sonny Lee founded Son of a Saint on January 1, 2011, in memory of his late father, Bivian Lee Jr., and as a tribute to his single mother. His father was a professional football player for the New Orleans Saints, tragically passing away from a heart attack when Sonny was just a toddler. After years of therapy and personal growth, Sonny established Son of a Saint to offer support and guidance to boys facing similar challenges.
Legacy and Support from the Sports Community
The influence of the late New Orleans Pelicans and Saints owner, Tom Benson, played a pivotal role in Sonny Lee’s journey. Benson mentored Lee, helping him shape the vision for Son of a Saint. Today, the organization has positively impacted hundreds of fatherless boys, with support from prominent athletes like Drew Brees and Marques Colston, as well as numerous corporate donors and sponsors.
For more information on how to support Son of a Saint, visit sonofasaint.org.
Trajan Langdon: From Basketball Player to Executive
Born on May 13, 1976, Trajan Langdon is an American basketball executive and former professional player, currently serving as the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 211 pounds, Langdon first gained national attention while playing college basketball at Duke University.
After a brief NBA career, Langdon found significant success in Europe. He became a three-time All-EuroLeague Team member and was named the EuroLeague Final Four MVP in 2008. Langdon won two EuroLeague titles with CSKA Moscow in 2006 and 2008.
Early Life and High School Achievements
Langdon was born in Palo Alto, California, but moved to Anchorage, Alaska, shortly after. He attended Steller Secondary School and played basketball for East Anchorage High School, setting the Alaska 4A state record with 2,200 career points. He was a three-time Alaskan State Player of the Year and led his team to the 1994 Alaskan State Championship.
In addition to basketball, Langdon excelled in baseball. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 6th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft and played in the minor leagues during the summers while attending Duke University.
College Career at Duke University
At Duke, Langdon set the school record for most career three-point field goals made, earning the nickname “The Alaskan Assassin.” Despite a knee injury that sidelined him for his sophomore year, he finished his college career strong. In the 1999 NCAA Championship game, a controversial traveling call in the final seconds contributed to Duke’s loss to UConn, but Langdon’s collegiate legacy remained intact.
Professional Career: NBA and Europe
Langdon was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1999 NBA draft, making history as the first Alaskan to play in the NBA. After three years with the Cavaliers, he played for Benetton Treviso in Italy, followed by stints with Efes Pilsen in Turkey and Dynamo Moscow in Russia. His most notable achievements came with CSKA Moscow, where he won two EuroLeague titles and was named the EuroLeague Final Four MVP in 2008.
Langdon retired from professional basketball in 2011, shortly after leading CSKA Moscow to its ninth consecutive Russian championship.
Post-Playing Career and Executive Roles
After retiring, Langdon transitioned to a career in basketball management. He worked as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs from 2012 to 2015. In March 2016, he became the assistant general manager of the Brooklyn Nets, and in May 2019, he was named the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans. Most recently, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Langdon will be named President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons.
Conclusion
Trajan Langdon’s journey from a high school standout in Alaska to a successful professional player and now a respected basketball executive is a testament to his talent, determination, and commitment to excellence. His recent decision to join the Son of a Saint Board of Directors further exemplifies his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court. As Langdon continues to excel in his professional career, his contributions to the community through Son of a Saint will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Trajan Langdon’s wife?
Trajan Langdon’s personal life, including details about his wife, is kept private and out of the public eye.
What is Son of a Saint?
Son of a Saint is a non-profit organization that provides mentorship, emotional support, and life skills development for fatherless boys in the Greater New Orleans area.
What role does Trajan Langdon play in Son of a Saint?
Trajan Langdon recently joined the Board of Directors of Son of a Saint, committing to serve for three years with the option to continue for a second term or take an officer position.
What are Trajan Langdon’s notable achievements in basketball?
Langdon had a successful college career at Duke University, a brief NBA stint, and a highly successful career in Europe, where he won two EuroLeague titles and was named EuroLeague Final Four MVP in 2008.
What is Trajan Langdon’s current professional role?
As of May 2024, Trajan Langdon is set to be named the President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons. He previously served as the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans.