Trae Young’s incredible freshman season at Oklahoma will be his only season with the Sooners.
In an essay he wrote for ESPN by way of Adrian Wojnarowski, Young revealed on Tuesday that he has decided to enter the NBA Draft. The 19-year-old reflected on his life and basketball career.
“I’ve been preparing most of my life to join the NBA, and that time has come for me now,” Young said. “After an unforgettable year at the University of Oklahoma, I will enter the June NBA draft and fully immerse myself in the pursuit of a pro basketball career.
“… I don’t pretend to be ready to play in the NBA today, but I am determined to do what I’ve always done: invest in the work to prepare for the league and the incredible challenges it presents. I’m going to start training immediately for the draft, building up strength throughout my body, sharpening my skills and studying the best of the best.”
Young averaged 27.4 points and 8.8 assists per game this season, and he is expected to be a lottery pick. Oklahoma lost to Rhode Island in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, but Young’s stock is probably as high as it will get. Despite what his father recently said about the possibility of Young turning pro, now seems like the best time.
