J.D. Notae, the former Newton High School standout who captured attention during his college years, has officially signed with Turkish basketball club Trabzonspor. The agreement, finalized on June 25, was kept under wraps in terms of financial details, but the club confirmed the move as part of its roster overhaul for the upcoming Basketbol Super Ligi season.
Notae’s journey to Turkey follows a three‑year stretch in Italy with Traponi Shark, where he earned the Lega Serie A Sixth Man of the Year award in 2025. Prior to that, he honed his skills with Aris Basketball in Greece, a period that preceded his rise to prominence in the United States.
At Trabzonspor, the 6‑foot‑3 guard is expected to serve as the backup point guard to veteran Troy Caupain. Club officials highlighted his playmaking instincts and defensive versatility as key assets for a team that competes not only domestically but also in the FIBA Champions League.
A New Chapter in Turkey
For Notae, the move represents more than just a change of scenery; it is a continuation of a professional trajectory that began with a strong collegiate career at Jacksonville before transferring to Arkansas, where he averaged 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in his final season. The transition from the Razorbacks to the Turkish league underscores his adaptability and ambition to compete at the highest levels abroad.
The roster will also feature former NBA swingmen Shaquille Harrison and Xavier Tillman, both of whom have expressed enthusiasm about sharing the court with Notae. Their presence adds a layer of NBA experience that the club hopes will translate into a competitive edge on the European stage.
The signing also reflects Trabzonspor’s strategy of blending youthful talent with seasoned NBA veterans, a formula that has yielded success in recent seasons. As the club looks to reclaim its position among the elite in the Basketbol Super Ligi, Notae’s arrival is being viewed as a pivotal piece of the puzzle.