Trieste makes a move in the transfer market: Lajae Jones joins the team

Pallacanestro Trieste has officially announced the signing of Lajae Jones, a U.S. forward born in 2004. The player joins the red-and-white team after spending his entire career in the United States, wrapping up his college career with the Florida State Seminoles in the NCAA before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Born on May 21, 2004, in Neptune Beach, Florida, Jones stands 2.01 meters tall and weighs 100 kg. His college basketball career spanned four programs. After making his debut with the Tarleton State Texans, he particularly stood out at Barton Community College, winning the JUCO national championship and being named MVP of the finals.

He then transferred to St. Bonaventure, where he averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds as a starter during the 2024–25 season. The final stop in his college career was Florida State, where he played 33 games in the 2025–26 season, averaging 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and one block per game. These numbers also earned him a spot on the ACC’s Second Team.

Among his most notable performances was a 36-point game with 10 three-pointers made, a feat that allowed him to tie the Seminoles’ record. At the end of the season came the NBA Draft and a call from the Golden State Warriors with the 54th overall pick, followed by his participation in the NBA Summer League.

Jones arrives in Trieste with a particularly versatile skill set. He can defend multiple positions, from guard to forward, and is capable of posing a threat from the perimeter as well. His attributes helped him stand out during his final NCAA season as a “3&D” prospect—that is, someone capable of combining long-range shooting with solid defense. He adds good ball-handling skills and a low tendency to turn the ball over to these qualities.
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