NBA Star Trae Young Returns to Oklahoma as Assistant GM with $1M Donation to Sooners Basketball

Trae Young’s Homecoming: A New Role with Oklahoma Sooners Basketball

Atlanta Hawks superstar and former Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young has officially been named Assistant General Manager for the University of Oklahoma’s men’s basketball program. In addition to his new front-office role, Young has pledged a $1 million donation to support the team’s future, solidifying his deep ties to Norman and the Sooners legacy.

Young’s Legendary Oklahoma Roots

Young, a four-time NBA All-Star, started his basketball journey in Norman, attending Norman North High School before his historic single-season stint with the Sooners in 2017-18. That year, he became the first NCAA Division I player ever to lead the nation in both scoring (27.4 PPG) and assists (8.7 APG), earning All-American honors before being drafted 5th overall by the Dallas Mavericks (later traded to Atlanta).

What Young Brings to the Front Office

In his new role, Young will:

• Evaluate high school and transfer portal prospects
• Assist in contract negotiations
• Mentor players on brand-building and professional development
• Help maintain Oklahoma’s winning culture in the competitive Big 12

"As someone who grew up in Norman and played at OU, stepping into this role is a huge honor," Young said in a statement. "This program has a rich history, and I’m committed to bringing in players who can help us compete at the highest level."

Oklahoma AD Praises Young’s Commitment

Athletic Director Joe Castiglione emphasized Young’s unmatched dedication to OU:
"Trae is a legend here—on and off the court. His passion for our community and this program is incredible."

A Growing Trend: NBA Stars in College Front Offices

Young follows Stephen Curry, who recently became Assistant GM at Davidson, marking a new era where NBA stars return to shape their alma maters. With Young’s scouting expertise and recruiting influence, Oklahoma basketball is poised for a promising future.

Key Takeaways:

• Trae Young reunites with Oklahoma in a front-office capacity
• His $1M donation underscores his investment in the program
• Young’s role focuses on talent evaluation, player development, and recruiting
• Follows a trend of NBA stars (like Curry) returning to college athletics