50 Facts About Trae Young

Early Life and High School Career

Trae Young's journey to NBA stardom began in Texas and flourished in Oklahoma. His early years set the foundation for his future success.

1. Birthplace and Hometown: Trae Young was born in Lubbock, Texas, but he grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, where he attended Norman North High School.
2. High School Career: Young was an exceptional high school player, averaging 42 points per game on 49% shooting as a senior. He was selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game and was the nation's second-best point guard when he graduated.
3. Family Background: Trae Young’s father, Rayford Young, was a former basketball standout at Texas Tech and played professionally in Europe.
4. Early Interest in Basketball: Young developed a passion for basketball at a young age, following in his father’s footsteps.
5. High School Championships: He led Norman North High School to the 2015 area championship.

College Career at Oklahoma

Trae Young's college career was nothing short of spectacular. His time at Oklahoma University showcased his incredible talent and set numerous records.

6. College Career: Young chose to play for the Oklahoma Sooners in college. He was the first five-star recruit to commit to the University of Oklahoma since Tiny Gallon in 2010. During his freshman year, he became the first major conference player in NCAA history to tally 800 points and 250 assists in a single season. He was named National Freshman of the Year by U.S. basketball writers and declared for the 2018 NBA Draft.
7. Wayman Tisdale Award: Young received the Wayman Tisdale Award in 2018 for being the best freshman in the nation.
8. NCAA Season Leaders: He led the nation in points and assists during his freshman year at Oklahoma University.
9. College Records: At Oklahoma University, he tied the NCAA single-game record for assists with 22 and scored 26 points in a single game.

Entering the NBA

Draft night was a pivotal moment for Trae Young, marking the beginning of his professional career with the Atlanta Hawks.

10. Draft Status: The Dallas Mavericks selected Trae Young with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night in a deal involving Luka Doncic.
11. NBA Debut: Trae Young made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018, for the Atlanta Hawks.
12. Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Young averaged 19 points and 8 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Rising Star in the NBA

Trae Young quickly established himself as one of the league's top players, known for his scoring and playmaking abilities.

13. Second Season: During his second season, Young's scoring average jumped to nearly 30 points per game, and he was selected to his first NBA All-Star game.
14. Playmaking Ability: Known for his exceptional playmaking skills, Young has consistently been one of the top assist leaders in the league. He is often compared to NBA legends like Stephen Curry for his ability to score and create for his teammates.
15. Nicknames: Trae Young is affectionately known as "Ice Trae" due to his ability to score crucial points under pressure and his signature "shiver" celebration when he makes a shot.
16. Height and Weight: Young stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs 180 pounds (82 kg).
17. Career Averages: As of the 2024-2025 season, Young's career averages are 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.2 blocks per game.
18. Playoff Performance: In the playoffs, Young averages 26.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game.
19. Career Highs: His career highs include 56 points and 14 assists in a single game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 3, 2022.
20. All-Star Appearances: Young has been selected to the NBA All-Star game three times: in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
21. All-NBA Honors: He was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2021-2022.

Leadership and Impact

Trae Young's leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in the Atlanta Hawks' success and his own career growth.

22. Leadership Role: Young quickly became the leader of the Atlanta Hawks, guiding the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, their closest appearance to the NBA Finals since 1961.
23. Contract Extension: In August 2021, Young signed a five-year maximum extension with the Atlanta Hawks worth up to $172 million, potentially reaching $207 million.
24. Injury Challenges: Despite his impressive career, Young has faced injuries, including Achilles tendinitis, which has affected his performance in recent seasons.
25. Community Involvement: Trae Young is involved in various community initiatives, including supporting local youth basketball programs and participating in charity events.
26. Marketing Deals: His popularity has led to endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas, which released the Trae Young 1s shoe line in 2021.
27. Comparison to NBA Legends: Young is often compared to NBA legends like Stephen Curry due to his scoring and playmaking abilities.
28. Career Milestones: He has achieved numerous career milestones, including becoming one of the youngest players to reach 10,000 career points and 3,000 assists.
29. Team Performance: Under Young's leadership, the Atlanta Hawks have shown significant improvement, becoming a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
30. Fan Support: Trae Young has garnered immense fan support, earning him a special place in the hearts of Atlanta Hawks fans.
31. Media Recognition: He has been featured in various media outlets, including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Forbes, highlighting his impact on the NBA.

Personal Life and Off-Court Activities

Beyond basketball, Trae Young's life is filled with various interests and activities that showcase his multifaceted personality.

32. Statistical Achievements: Young holds multiple statistical records, including the highest single-season assists per game average by a freshman in NCAA history.
33. Draft Night Experience: Reflecting on his draft night experience, Young mentioned that it was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction after all the hard work and sacrifices he made during his college years.
34. Mentality and Work Ethic: Known for his mentality and work ethic, Young has consistently demonstrated a willingness to improve and push himself to new heights.
35. Leadership Qualities: His leadership qualities have been evident both on and off the court, inspiring his teammates and fans alike with his dedication and passion for the game.
36. Impact on Franchise: Trae Young’s impact on the Atlanta Hawks franchise cannot be overstated. He has become an integral part of the team’s identity and success.
37. Championship Aspirations: Despite not winning an NBA championship yet, Young remains committed to his goal of leading the Hawks to a championship title in the future.
38. Off-Court Activities: When not playing basketball, Young engages in various off-court activities such as social media influencing, fashion collaborations, and community outreach programs.
39. Legacy in Basketball: As one of the top young players in the NBA, Trae Young is leaving an indelible mark on basketball history with his unique playing style and achievements.
40. Comparison with Other Players: Young’s playing style is often compared to other elite point guards like Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard due to his exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities.
41. Career Longevity: Despite facing injuries and challenges throughout his career, Young remains optimistic about his longevity in the league and continues to work towards maintaining his high level of performance.
42. Team Dynamics: His ability to facilitate the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has significantly improved team dynamics within the Atlanta Hawks.
43. Fan Engagement: Trae Young engages actively with his fans through social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, fostering a strong connection with them.
44. Philanthropic Efforts: In addition to his basketball career, Young is involved in various philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting education and youth development programs.
45. Future Prospects: With ongoing improvements in his game and continued dedication to his craft, Trae Young remains one of the most promising young players in the NBA, poised for even greater success in the future.

International Play and Future Goals

Trae Young's ambitions extend beyond the NBA, as he aims to represent his country and achieve even greater heights in his career.

46. Professional Ambitions: Trae Young has expressed his desire to represent Team USA in international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
47. FIBA Under-18 Championship: In 2016, he was part of the U.S. men's national U18 team that won gold at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.
48. Future Prospects: With ongoing improvements in his game and continued dedication to his craft, Trae Young remains one of the most promising young players in the NBA, poised for even greater success in the future.
49. Team Dynamics: His ability to facilitate the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has significantly improved team dynamics within the Atlanta Hawks.
50. Fan Engagement: Trae Young engages actively with his fans through social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, fostering a strong connection with them.

Trae Young's Impact on Basketball

Trae Young's journey from a high school standout in Norman, Oklahoma, to an NBA All-Star with the Atlanta Hawks is nothing short of remarkable. His scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership have made him a key figure in the league. Young's career averages of 25.5 points and 9.5 assists per game highlight his offensive impact. His playoff performances, including leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, showcase his ability to shine under pressure. Off the court, Young's community involvement and endorsement deals further solidify his status as a rising star. With his dedication and talent, Trae Young is poised for even greater success in the future, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in modern basketball. His influence on the game and the Atlanta Hawks franchise is undeniable, promising a bright future ahead.