In a move that has stunned the basketball world, NBA superstar Trae Young has announced his decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners’ men’s basketball program as an assistant general manager. The announcement, made during his appearance on NBA Today, marks a significant moment in both Young’s career and the Sooners’ basketball program.
Young, who currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks, is one of the most electrifying guards in the NBA. While he remains fully committed to his playing career, his decision to take on an advisory and leadership role at his alma mater shows his deep-rooted connection to Oklahoma and his desire to give back to the program that helped shape his career.
Trae Young’s Connection to Oklahoma
Before becoming an NBA All-Star and one of the league’s premier scorers, Trae Young made a name for himself at the University of Oklahoma during the 2017-18 season. His time with the Sooners was brief—just one season—but it was nothing short of legendary.
During his freshman year, Young took the college basketball world by storm, leading the nation in both points per game (27.4) and assists per game (8.7). His dynamic playstyle, unlimited shooting range, and ability to take over games drew comparisons to Stephen Curry and made him a household name.
Despite Oklahoma bowing out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Young’s impact on the program was immeasurable. He was selected 5th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he quickly became the face of the franchise.
Why Young’s Return to Oklahoma is Significant
1. Strengthening Oklahoma’s Recruiting Efforts
One of Young’s biggest contributions in this role will be his impact on recruiting. The modern era of college basketball is heavily influenced by NBA aspirations, and having a current NBA superstar like Young involved in the program will be a massive selling point for future recruits.
High school prospects often look for programs that can develop them into NBA-caliber players, and Young’s involvement signals that Oklahoma is a school that can produce top-tier talent.
2. A Valuable Mentor for Players
Beyond his influence on recruiting, Young’s role as an assistant GM allows him to mentor Oklahoma’s players. His experience in the NBA, knowledge of the game, and leadership skills will be invaluable to the Sooners’ young roster.
Players will have direct access to someone who has navigated the college-to-NBA transition, understands the business side of basketball, and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
3. Elevating the Profile of Oklahoma Basketball
Oklahoma has had strong basketball success, but it has often been overshadowed by football dominance in the state. With Young now officially tied to the program, it brings national attention and media coverage that could help elevate the Sooners into a consistent powerhouse.
What Trae Young Said About the Move
During his appearance on NBA Today, Young spoke about his excitement in taking on this role and how much Oklahoma means to him:
“Oklahoma is home. It gave me my start and helped me become the player and person I am today. This is my way of giving back, staying involved, and helping the next generation of Sooners get to the next level.”
Young also emphasized that while his focus remains on his NBA career with the Hawks, he sees this role as a way to start building his legacy off the court while continuing to support the Sooners.
How Will Young Balance This Role With His NBA Career?
A major question surrounding this move is how Young will balance his responsibilities as an assistant GM at Oklahoma while still playing in the NBA.
The answer likely lies in the nature of his role—as an assistant GM, Young will not be involved in the day-to-day coaching aspect but will serve more as an advisor and mentor. His role will likely include:
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Assisting in recruiting efforts (especially helping to attract NBA-caliber talent).
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Providing mentorship to players about the transition from college to the NBA.
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Giving strategic input on player development and scouting.
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Serving as a bridge between the Oklahoma program and NBA scouts/front offices.
This means Young won’t be on the sidelines coaching every game, but he will have a direct impact on shaping the program’s future.
What This Means for Oklahoma Basketball Moving Forward
Oklahoma’s current head coach Porter Moser has been working to make the Sooners a consistent force in the Big 12, and Young’s involvement only strengthens that mission. The Sooners have already been active in the transfer portal and high school recruiting, and adding Young’s presence gives them a serious edge over other programs.
Expect to see:
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More high-profile recruits considering Oklahoma.
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Increased media attention around the program.
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A focus on NBA-style player development with Young’s guidance.
Final Thoughts: A Groundbreaking Move for Both Young and Oklahoma
Trae Young’s decision to take on an assistant GM role at Oklahoma is a move that reshapes the landscape of college basketball. While he remains an active NBA star, his commitment to helping build the Sooners’ program is a testament to his love for Oklahoma and his desire to inspire the next generation of basketball talent.
For Oklahoma, this is a game-changing moment—one that could redefine their recruiting power and solidify them as a destination for elite players looking to make it to the NBA.
As Young continues to shine in the NBA, his influence on Oklahoma basketball will only grow, making this a win-win for both the program and one of its greatest stars.
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