Trae Young, point guard for the Atlanta Hawks and a two-time NBA All-Star, discussed his lone NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament appearance during a recent interview with Fox News Digital.[1][2]

As a freshman at the University of Oklahoma in the 2017-18 season, Young became the first player to lead the NCAA Division I in both points per game (27.4) and assists per game (8.7).[3][4] Oklahoma earned a No. 10 seed in the Midwest Region.[5]

On March 16, 2018, the Sooners faced No. 7 seed Rhode Island in the first round at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Young recorded 26 points, five rebounds and seven assists, but Oklahoma lost 83-78 in overtime.[5][6]

Young declared for the 2018 NBA draft following the season.[1]

"I think the main thing I learned was just understanding that you may or may not get another chance at this," Young said. "Going into my freshman year, I thought I was going to have a couple chances. The way the season panned out, I just got the one."[1]

He added that players should stay focused on every part of the tournament journey. Young recalled the emotions of the experience, including the bus ride and fan support, describing himself as anxious and ready to play.[1]

Young said he roots for underdogs in the tournament, including the Oklahoma Sooners, now competing in the Southeastern Conference after moving from the Big 12 in 2024.[1][7]

Young partnered with Sling TV to promote flexible viewing options for the NCAA tournament, including 1-, 3- and 7-day passes. From March 19 to 22, if a No. 12-16 seed advances to the Sweet 16 in the men's or women's tournaments, eligible customers can claim a 1-day pass for $1, redeemable through the championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on April 6.[1]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital, "Trae Young offers key advice to NCAA players as he recalls one-and-done March Madness run", March 2025 (approx., based on context), https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ (main sports page; specific article not archived in prompt)
2. NBA.com, "Trae Young Player Profile", accessed October 2024, https://www.nba.com/player/1629027/trae-young
3. NCAA.com, "Trae Young first to lead NCAA Division I in points, assists", April 2, 2018, https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-04-02/trae-young-first-lead-ncaa-division-i-points-assists
4. Sports-Reference.com, "Trae Young College Stats", accessed October 2024, https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/trae-young-1.html
5. NCAA.com, "2018 Division I Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket", 2018, https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/2018/division-i-mens-basketball/bracket
6. ESPN.com, "Rhode Island 83-78 Oklahoma (Mar 16, 2018) Final Score", March 16, 2018, https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401106883