Trae Young of the Hawks explains his motivations for joining the Oklahoma Sooners.

Trae Young, one of the most exciting young stars in the NBA, made waves not only as a standout guard for the Atlanta Hawks but also as a former standout at the University of Oklahoma. While he has already established a successful professional career, Young has always been deeply connected to his roots and the team that helped launch his basketball journey— the Oklahoma Sooners. In a recent interview, Young discussed his motivations for joining the Oklahoma Sooners, explaining his ties to the university, his desire to give back to the program, and the personal fulfillment he gets from working with young athletes.

The Oklahoma Roots

Trae Young’s connection to Oklahoma runs deep. Born in Lubbock, Texas, and later moving to Norman, Oklahoma, Young spent a significant portion of his life in the state. Growing up, he was immersed in the local basketball culture, with Oklahoma’s love for basketball serving as a backdrop for his formative years. The decision to attend the University of Oklahoma was not only a strategic career move but also a chance to represent his community and the state of Oklahoma.

“Being from Norman, it felt right to continue my journey at Oklahoma. This place made me who I am as a basketball player,” Young explained. “There’s no way I could forget about my roots. When the opportunity arose to come back and help the program, it felt like the right time.”

Oklahoma has always had a strong basketball tradition, and for Young, this was an opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to the university’s efforts to build a more robust, successful program. His decision to return to the university in a more involved capacity is a direct reflection of his gratitude and pride in his time there.

A Desire to Elevate the Program

While Trae Young’s time with the Sooners was short-lived—he played only one season for Oklahoma in 2017-2018—he made an indelible impact. That year, he was a consensus All-American, setting several records and leading the nation in scoring and assists. His individual brilliance transformed the Sooners into one of the most exciting teams to watch, even though they fell short of an NCAA tournament appearance. However, his commitment to helping the Sooners go further was evident from the beginning.

“The program means a lot to me. I was only there for one year, but it changed my life. I got so much from it, and I know that the potential for Oklahoma basketball to be great is still there,” Young said. “I want to be part of that journey. I know that the Sooners have all the right pieces in place— it’s just about pushing it forward.”

Young’s return to Oklahoma basketball isn’t simply about reliving the glory of his one season with the team. Instead, it’s about mentoring young talent, building the program’s reputation, and offering insights into the professional journey he’s been on. By re-engaging with the Sooners, Young seeks to elevate the level of play at Oklahoma, encouraging the next generation of athletes to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in college basketball.

“I want to see the program continue to grow. They’ve got a lot of talent in the pipeline, and I want to be someone who helps these guys navigate their paths to the next level,” he explained. “There’s a special bond that’s created when you’re a part of the Oklahoma basketball family. I feel like I can add value, whether it’s in terms of mentorship, coaching advice, or just sharing my experiences with the team.”

A Mentor and Role Model

Trae Young’s decision to return to Oklahoma reflects his growth as a player and as an individual. While many young players focus solely on their professional careers, Young has been increasingly vocal about his desire to give back to the game and the people who helped shape him.

When he was a freshman at Oklahoma, Young experienced the complexities of the college game— balancing academics, social life, and an intense basketball schedule. He also felt the weight of expectations, both from fans and from within. As he matured, those challenges helped shape him into the player he is today. Now, he wants to ensure that the next generation of Sooners doesn’t face the same struggles alone. He wants to be there for them, offering both on-court advice and emotional support.

“I want to be a mentor to these guys. I’ve been through a lot of things in my career already, so I feel I’m in a position to help them understand what’s ahead,” he said. “It’s not always easy, and there are sacrifices you have to make, but the journey is worth it. I want to help these players learn that from the start.”

Young’s willingness to be a mentor has resonated with many of his younger peers. Having already faced pressure at such a young age and overcoming the challenges that come with being a high-profile athlete, Young brings valuable insights into the psychological and mental aspects of the game. His approach isn’t just about skills and drills; it’s about the mindset, the focus, and the resilience necessary to succeed at the highest levels.

“Basketball is a mental game,” Young explained. “It’s about having the right mindset. When I was at Oklahoma, I wasn’t just learning how to play basketball—I was learning how to think about basketball, how to handle the pressure, and how to make the right decisions in the heat of the moment. That’s something I hope to pass on.”

Keeping the Oklahoma Legacy Alive

For Trae Young, Oklahoma isn’t just a place where he honed his basketball skills— it’s also a place where he forged lifelong connections and created a foundation for his future. As he continues to build his NBA career, he remains deeply connected to the Oklahoma Sooners program, and he’s determined to keep the legacy alive.

“I always want to be associated with Oklahoma,” Young said. “That school and that program did so much for me. I want to keep helping them grow. If I can make a difference, even in a small way, that’s what matters.”

This drive to contribute to the success of Oklahoma basketball, even as he plays professionally, speaks to Young’s understanding of the importance of legacy. He recognizes that his impact as a player transcends the time he spends on the court; it also lies in his ability to inspire others and raise the profile of the program. His role as a mentor and leader for the Oklahoma Sooners is just one part of that ongoing commitment.

“I’ve been blessed to play in the NBA, but there’s no place like Oklahoma,” Young said. “This is where it all started for me. Every time I put on that Oklahoma jersey, I remember the love I got from the fans, the way the school embraced me, and the memories I made. I want to help the program stay at the top, and if I can be part of that, I’m all in.”

Balancing NBA Career with College Involvement

One of the unique aspects of Trae Young’s involvement with the Oklahoma Sooners is the challenge of balancing his NBA career with his role in the college program. As a professional player, Young has a rigorous schedule, filled with travel, games, practices, and community outreach. But he remains committed to maintaining a connection with Oklahoma, and his involvement with the team has been a source of personal fulfillment.

“I love the game of basketball, and I’ve always felt an obligation to give back to the game,” Young said. “It’s not always easy to balance everything, but I make time for Oklahoma. It’s part of my identity. I want to make sure that the team knows I’m there for them, no matter how busy I am.”

Young’s ability to juggle his NBA career with his commitment to Oklahoma speaks to his work ethic, determination, and passion for the game. His leadership both on and off the court sets a powerful example for young players coming up through the ranks.

Looking Forward

As Trae Young continues to grow both as a player and as a mentor, his relationship with Oklahoma will remain a core part of his basketball journey. His desire to contribute to the program’s future success is unwavering, and his efforts to help young players reach their full potential will continue to inspire.

Ultimately, Trae Young’s decision to return to Oklahoma in a mentoring capacity speaks volumes about his character, his commitment to his roots, and his love for the game. Through his guidance, Oklahoma basketball may well find its way back to the top, propelled not just by talent but by the leadership and wisdom of one of the NBA’s brightest stars. As the Sooners continue to evolve, Trae Young’s role in shaping the future of the program will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.