Hawks’ Trae Young Explains His Reasons for Taking Job with the Oklahoma Sooners
In an unexpected twist in the world of basketball, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has taken on a new role in the basketball community. Known for his electrifying playmaking ability and dazzling shooting, Young has decided to step away from the NBA spotlight temporarily and take a position with the Oklahoma Sooners basketball program as a special assistant. This move has shocked many, given Young’s prominent status in the NBA, but in his first public statement on the decision, he explained his motivations for returning to his roots and contributing to the development of young athletes at his alma mater.
For many, Trae Young’s decision to step into a mentoring role with the Sooners speaks to his passion for the game, a deep connection to his college roots, and an overwhelming desire to give back to a program that helped shape his basketball career. After a successful stint in college at Oklahoma, where he played one season before making the jump to the NBA, Young’s return to the Sooners’ program is seen as a full-circle moment for the 25-year-old star. His journey from a freshman sensation to an NBA All-Star has captured the imaginations of basketball fans across the world, and now, his decision to give back to his roots is poised to have a lasting impact on both the university and the future of basketball.
A Return to Oklahoma: Trae Young’s Connection to His Alma Mater
When Trae Young first stepped onto the court at the University of Oklahoma in 2017, few could have predicted the type of impact he would have on the college basketball world. As a freshman, Young captivated fans with his incredible range, court vision, and uncanny ability to break down defenses. He became an immediate sensation, leading the nation in both points and assists. His year at Oklahoma was marked by history-making performances, and by the end of the season, Young had solidified his place as one of the most promising young talents in the world of basketball.
Young’s decision to leave Oklahoma after just one season was largely expected, as his outstanding play had made him one of the top prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Atlanta Hawks selected him with the fifth overall pick, and his NBA career took off from there. Since joining the league, Young has become one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NBA, earning multiple All-Star selections and transforming the Hawks into perennial playoff contenders.
However, even as his NBA career soared, Young remained closely connected to the University of Oklahoma and the basketball program that helped launch his career. In interviews, he has often spoken about the deep respect he has for the coaches and teammates he worked with at Oklahoma. His love for the program and the city of Norman never wavered, even as his life and career took him to Atlanta. It is this connection to his roots that ultimately led to his decision to take a position with the Oklahoma Sooners.
“For me, it’s all about giving back to the place that gave me my start,” Young said in a press conference shortly after announcing his new role. “I’m excited to have the chance to work with the players at Oklahoma, help them grow, and hopefully pass on some of the knowledge and lessons I’ve learned over the years. Oklahoma will always be home to me, and I want to be a part of the next generation of players who come through this program.”
The Role: Trae Young as Special Assistant
While Young is still an active player in the NBA, his decision to take a position as a special assistant with the Oklahoma Sooners is an unconventional one. The special assistant role will involve a combination of coaching, mentorship, and development work, all aimed at helping the program’s current players improve their skills, basketball IQ, and understanding of the game. Young will also work closely with the coaching staff, providing insights from his perspective as an elite-level point guard and NBA player.
This role will allow Young to take on a more behind-the-scenes, advisory position while still being able to maintain his professional career in the NBA. His presence will be a valuable asset to the Sooners, as he will bring a unique blend of real-time, top-tier experience, having played in the NBA for several years. His understanding of the intricacies of the game, both offensively and defensively, will help the Sooners’ players not only develop their skills but also understand how to compete at the highest level.
Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser expressed excitement about Young’s decision to join the team in this capacity, recognizing the immense value Young can bring to the program.
“Trae is one of the best players in the world, and to have someone of his caliber around our team is a huge benefit,” Moser said. “What makes Trae even more valuable is his mentality. He’s always been driven, focused, and committed to getting better. He understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and he can pass on that knowledge to our players in a way that few others can. We’re thrilled to have him involved in the program, and I know he’s going to have a positive impact on our players.”
Young’s ability to relate to young players will also be an asset in this role. Having recently navigated the transition from college to the NBA, he is uniquely positioned to mentor the Sooners’ athletes, providing them with advice on everything from preparing for the professional level to handling the pressures that come with being a high-profile player. His personal experiences will resonate with the players, many of whom will be trying to follow in his footsteps.
Why the Oklahoma Sooners?
While Young could have easily taken on a mentorship or advisory role with any number of NBA teams or other programs, his decision to return to Oklahoma speaks to a deep-rooted loyalty and affection for the Sooners’ basketball program. It was at Oklahoma that Young’s career truly took off, and he has always credited his time with the Sooners for preparing him for his NBA journey.
But more than that, Young’s decision to return to Oklahoma is an example of the power of mentorship and the impact that former players can have on shaping the future of a program. Young is not just returning to Oklahoma to relive the glory days of his one-year college career; he’s returning because he genuinely cares about helping the next wave of players reach their full potential. He wants to share what he has learned in his time in the NBA and provide guidance that will set these players up for success both on and off the court.
“I think one of the most important things for me is to make sure that I’m helping these guys not just as basketball players, but as people,” Young said. “It’s important to me that I’m passing along not just basketball skills, but life lessons too. I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons throughout my career, and I want to share that with the guys at Oklahoma to help them be successful not just in basketball but in life as well.”
The decision also reflects a broader shift in how NBA players and college programs view the role of former players in their communities. Today’s athletes are more than just players; they are mentors, influencers, and leaders. Many former NBA stars and successful college athletes have taken on roles within college programs, helping guide the next generation of players. Young’s decision to be a part of Oklahoma’s program is just another example of how modern athletes are using their platform to give back and shape the future of the game.
Building a Legacy: Trae Young’s Impact on Oklahoma Basketball
Trae Young’s decision to take a job with the Oklahoma Sooners is about more than just his connection to the program. It is also about building a legacy that extends beyond his playing career. As one of the most decorated players in Oklahoma’s basketball history, Young’s influence will be felt for years to come, not only through the players he mentors but also through the continued success of the program itself.
Oklahoma has a storied basketball tradition, but it has faced challenges in recent years as it seeks to return to national prominence. By bringing someone with Young’s talent, pedigree, and leadership into the fold, the Sooners are making a strong statement about their commitment to excellence. Young’s presence will undoubtedly elevate the program and provide a blueprint for future success.
For the young players currently on the Oklahoma roster, having access to someone of Young’s caliber is invaluable. The lessons they will learn from his experiences—whether it’s his offensive wizardry, his work ethic, or his approach to handling adversity—will help them grow into better players and better people.
Young’s legacy is already cemented as one of the NBA’s rising stars, but through his work with the Oklahoma Sooners, he is now also carving out a legacy as a mentor, coach, and ambassador for the game of basketball. His story is a testament to the power of giving back and the importance of helping others achieve their dreams.
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