Atlanta Hawks star and former Oklahoma Sooners standout Trae Young has been named the Assistant General Manager for the University of Oklahoma’s men’s basketball program. Alongside this prestigious appointment, Young has pledged a generous $1 million donation to support the Sooners’ championship aspirations.
The announcement, made by OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione, marks a significant milestone for the program.
“Trae is a son of Norman, Oklahoma, and his commitment to this community is unmatched,” Castiglione said. “His innovative thinking and passion for the game will undoubtedly strengthen our program and inspire our student-athletes.”
Young, who grew up in Norman and played for the Sooners during the 2017-2018 season, is no stranger to making history. During his collegiate career, he became the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in both points per game (27.4) and assists per game (8.7). Now, as Assistant GM, Young will lend his expertise to player personnel evaluation, strategic roster planning, and branding initiatives for student-athletes.
“This program has such a rich history, and I’m honored to contribute to its winning culture,” Young said. “I look forward to working with the coaching staff and front office to bring in the right players and help the Sooners compete at the highest level.”
Young’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Sooners, who are aiming to build on their recent NCAA Tournament appearance.
As the landscape of college basketball evolves, Young’s involvement highlights the growing trend of professional athletes giving back to their roots, Stephen Curry first, now Trae Young… dual roles as an NBA star and Assistant GM set new standards for alumni engagement.
