Trae Young is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on September 19,1998 in Lubbock, Texas, Trae was raised in a family that had a keen interest in basketball. His father, Rayford, played college basketball at Texas Tech and later played professionally overseas. Trae's older brother, Timothy, also played college basketball at Texas Tech.
Trae grew up with a ball in his hand and started playing organized basketball at a young age. By the time he was in middle school, he was already a dominant player, attracting the attention of high school coaches and college recruiters.
In high school, Trae attended Norman North in Oklahoma, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the top players in the state. As a sophomore, he led his team to a state championship and was named the tournament MVP. He repeated that feat as a junior, earning state tournament MVP honors once again.
By his senior year, Trae had become a national sensation. He averaged an incredible 42.6 points per game, breaking the state record for most points in a season previously held by former NBA player Blake Griffin. Trae was named the Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year, as well as a McDonald's All-American.
Despite his impressive high school career, Trae was not heavily recruited by the biggest programs in the country. Many schools overlooked him because of his size (he's listed at just 6-foot-1) and because he played in a relatively small market. However, one coach who did believe in Trae was Lon Kruger, the head coach at the University of Oklahoma.
Kruger had a track record of developing elite point guards, having coached NBA players like Steve Francis, Kirk Hinrich, and Buddy Hield. He recognized Trae's unique talents and gave him the opportunity to lead his team from day one.
As a freshman, Trae exceeded all expectations. He led the nation in both scoring (27.4 points per game) and assists (8.7 per game), becoming the first player in NCAA history to lead in both categories. He also broke the NCAA freshman record for most assists in a season, previously held by Duke's Bobby Hurley.
Trae's spectacular play made him a household name and brought national attention to Oklahoma basketball. He was named the Big 12 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American, and he finished as the runner-up for the Naismith Award, given to the best player in college basketball.
Despite Trae's individual success, his team struggled in conference play and finished with a disappointing 18-14 record. This led to criticism from some pundits who questioned whether Trae's high-scoring style was hurting his team's success.
After his freshman season, Trae decided to declare for the NBA draft. He was selected with the fifth overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, who saw in him a potential franchise player and future All-Star.
Trae's rookie year was a mixed bag. He struggled at times with his shooting and turnovers, but he also showed flashes of brilliance and earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He finished the season averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game, becoming just the second rookie in NBA history (after Oscar Robertson) to average at least 19 and 8.
In his second year, Trae took a major leap forward. He was named an All-Star for the first time, and he led the Hawks to their first playoff appearance since 2017. In the first round against the New York Knicks, Trae was the best player on the court, averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists per game and leading the Hawks to a series victory.
Trae's playoff heroics solidified his status as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. He's already established himself as one of the league's best shooters and passers, and he's shown an ability to elevate his game in big moments.
Off the court, Trae has also made a name for himself as a philanthropist and community leader. He started the "Trae Young Foundation" in 2020 with the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the Atlanta area.
In just a few short years, Trae Young has gone from a little-known high school star to one of the most exciting players in the NBA. He's already accomplished more than most players do in their entire careers, and he's only just getting started. It's clear that Trae has the talent, work ethic, and charisma to be a superstar in this league for years to come.
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