Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) grabs a rebound away from Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) grabs a rebound away from Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
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Xavier Tillman signs deal with European team

After an NBA career that spanned six seasons across four different franchises, former Michigan State basketball star Xavier Tillman Sr. is headed overseas. This week, it was announced by Turkish club Trabzonspor Basketbol that they have signed Tillman to a contract.

Tillman was originally drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies after playing three seasons for Michigan State, where he was the 2019-20 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Tillman played in 290 games across his NBA career, starting in 61 of those games. He averaged 4.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his career.

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Tillman’s strong defense allowed him to play six years in the NBA, but his three-point shot prevented him, as a smaller big, from landing a larger role in America’s top league.

Trabzonspor Basketbol is in the top league in Turkey, Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL), and the ycompete in the FIBA Basketball Champions League.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Xavier Tillman signs deal with European team

Reporting by Andrew Brewster, Spartans Wire / Spartans Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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By Andrew Brewster, Spartans Wire | USA TODAY Network

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