Trae Young’s Record-Breaking Season at Oklahoma: A Freshman Phenomenon

The 2017-2018 season in NCAA basketball will always be special because of Trae Young. This freshman amazed everyone with his incredible skills for the Oklahoma Sooners. His performances changed what we think a first-year player can do.

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Young grabbed everyone's attention from the start. His amazing ball-handling, vision, and shooting made him a standout. As the season went on, his stats kept impressing everyone, making him a record-breaker.

The University of Oklahoma's basketball team has always been proud. But Trae Young took them to new levels, exciting fans across the country. His impact and legacy at Oklahoma will be talked about for a long time.

Trae Young University of Oklahoma: The Beginning of a Legacy

Trae Young chose to play for the University of Oklahoma, staying close to home. He was a standout at Norman North High School. Many colleges wanted him, but he chose the Sooners, staying true to his roots.

Early Recruitment and Decision to Join Oklahoma

Young was a rising star, but he stayed loyal to his hometown team. The Oklahoma basketball recruitment process was intense. Yet, his connection to Norman North High School and his hometown hero status led him to Oklahoma.

Local Hero's Impact on the Program

Trae Young's choice to join the Sooners excited fans everywhere. The state cheered for its own, showing huge support. Young quickly became a symbol of pride for Sooners basketball and the region.

"Trae Young's decision to stay in-state and play for Oklahoma was a pivotal moment for the program. He instantly became a local hero and ignited a surge of excitement and support from the community."

Young's talent, local roots, and community support started a lasting legacy at the university.

Breaking Down Young's Offensive Arsenal

Trae Young's freshman season at the University of Oklahoma was unforgettable. His shooting, ball-handling, and court vision made him a standout. Defenders found it hard to keep up with his fast-paced game.

Young's shooting range was impressive, hitting shots from far away. His ability to make tough shots from deep made defenses work harder. This opened up the court for him and his teammates.

Young's game wasn't just about scoring. He was also great at passing and seeing the court. He could spot teammates and pass them the ball for easy shots. This made him a versatile player who could control the game in many ways.

Trae Young's game was a mix of shooting, ball-handling, and vision. This made him a challenge for defenses at Oklahoma. His ability to score and pass made his season record-breaking. He became one of the most exciting young players in college basketball.

Statistical Dominance: Leading NCAA in Points and Assists

Trae Young's freshman year at the University of Oklahoma was incredible. He was the NCAA scoring leader and set new standards for point guards with his assists per game. His achievements are remembered in college basketball statistics.

Scoring Records Shattered

In the 2017-18 season, Trae Young's scoring was unmatched. He averaged 27.4 points per game, leading the NCAA. His scoring from anywhere on the court left defenders stunned, breaking many records.

Assist Numbers That Redefined Point Guard Play

Trae Young's talent went beyond scoring. He averaged 8.7 assists per game, leading the nation. His vision, ball-handling, and passing changed how point guards play in college basketball.

Historical Context of Dual-Category Leadership

• Trae Young was the first since 1994 to lead in both points and assists per game.
• His dominance in these areas showed his skill and impact on the game.
• Young's leadership in both categories solidified his status as a college basketball statistics legend.

Statistic	Trae Young (2017-18)	Previous Record Holder
Points per game	27.4	26.5 (Keydren Clark, 2005-06)
Assists per game	8.7	8.0 (Avery Johnson, 1985-86)

Signature Games and Memorable Performances

Trae Young's first season at the University of Oklahoma was unforgettable. He set career-high points and made clutch plays. His skills and smarts on the court amazed everyone.

In a January game, Young scored a career-high 48 points. He hit eight 3-pointers and had 11 assists. His performance showed he could score and pass well.

Later, Young led his team to a comeback win against a tough rival. Down late in the second half, he scored 19 of his 26 points in the last minutes. His clutch plays showed he's a big game player.

Young kept impressing all season. He broke records and gave fans exciting games. His career-high points and clutch performances made him a standout in college basketball.

Impact on Oklahoma's Basketball Program

Trae Young's arrival at the University of Oklahoma changed the basketball program. His amazing performances and unique playing style boosted the team's popularity. This led to more fans, better attendance, and increased financial success.

Attendance Records and Media Attention

Young's games drew huge crowds to the Lloyd Noble Center. Fans couldn't wait to see him play. The average attendance for games in the 2017-18 season was 11,562, up from 8,200 the year before.

Young's success didn't just attract local fans. It also caught the attention of national media. His games were often on TV and in newspapers. This exposure made Oklahoma basketball more famous across the country.

Program Revenue and Marketing Success

• The rise in fans and media coverage boosted the program's finances.
• Sales of Trae Young merchandise skyrocketed, as fans wanted to show their support.
• More businesses wanted to sponsor the team, thanks to its growing popularity.
• The university used Young's fame to market the basketball team and the school.

Metric	2016-17 Season	2017-18 Season	Percent Change
Average Attendance	8,200	11,562	41.0%
Merchandise Sales	$2.5 million	$4.1 million	64.0%
Sponsorship Revenue	$1.8 million	$2.6 million	44.4%

Trae Young's impact on Oklahoma basketball is clear. His performances, media coverage, and the rise in fans and revenue made the program a top college basketball team.

Comparison to College Basketball Legends

Trae Young's freshman season at the University of Oklahoma was a big deal for college basketball fans. His performance was compared to the legendary feats of past NCAA stars. Young's dominance as a rookie sparked discussions about his place among the all-time greats.

Young led the nation in scoring, averaging 27.4 points per game. This puts him in elite company, alongside Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Keion Brooks. These players also made a big impact as rookies.

Young was not just a scoring machine. He also excelled at setting up his teammates, leading the NCAA in assists per game. His ability to dominate in both scoring and assists is rare. Few freshmen have achieved this level of success.

Player	School	Season	PPG	APG
Trae Young	Oklahoma	2017-18	27.4	8.7
Carmelo Anthony	Syracuse	2002-03	22.2	2.2
Kevin Durant	Texas	2006-07	25.8	4.1
Keion Brooks	Kentucky	2019-20	10.8	1.8

Young's impact went beyond the stats. His energy, court vision, and ability to win games made him unforgettable. As he prepares for the pros, Trae Young has solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in college basketball.

NBA Draft Stock Rise During College Season

Trae Young's freshman season at the University of Oklahoma was unforgettable. He became the nation's top scorer and assist leader. His skills and playmaking ability caught the attention of scouts and executives.

Scout Evaluations and Professional Projections

NBA scouts loved Young's talent and basketball smarts. They saw him as a potential top pick in the draft. His scoring, passing, and clutch plays impressed everyone.

• Praised for exceptional court vision and passing instincts
• Recognized as a deadly shooter with deep range and quick release
• Admired for his composure, competitiveness, and leadership qualities

Experts thought Young could be a top-10 pick. Some even thought he might go in the top-5. His ability to score and pass made him a great prospect for teams needing a dynamic point guard.

NBA Team Interest Throughout the Season

As Young's fame grew, NBA teams watched him closely. Scouts and executives visited Oklahoma to see him play. They wanted to learn more about his growth.

1. Multiple lottery teams scheduled private workouts and interviews
2. Young received invitations to prestigious pre-draft showcases
3. His name was frequently mentioned in NBA mock drafts and discussions

The interest from NBA teams showed how fast Young rose as a top NBA draft prospect. His performances made scouts excited about his NBA scouting potential.

Playing Style and Basketball IQ Analysis

Trae Young's amazing freshman season at the University of Oklahoma was thanks to his basketball intelligence, court awareness, and playmaking ability. As a point guard, he showed a deep understanding of the game, even though he was young.

Young's smart decisions on the court were key to his success. He made great passes, finding teammates and creating chances for his team. His court awareness helped him see the defense's moves and find openings, making him a top playmaker.

Young's ability to read defenses and make quick decisions was impressive. He had a high basketball intelligence, which let him spot defensive weaknesses and create shots for himself and teammates.

• Young's playmaking ability was clear all season, as he led the Sooners' offense with his vision and passing.
• His court awareness kept him aware of his surroundings, helping him find open teammates and create scoring chances.
• Young's basketball intelligence was crucial, as he made smart decisions and adjusted his play to fit the game's needs.

"Trae Young's ability to read defenses and make the right plays is truly impressive for a freshman. He has an innate understanding of the game that sets him apart from his peers."

As the season went on, Young's skills in basketball intelligence, court awareness, and playmaking ability kept getting better. He became a force to be reckoned with on the court and a true leader for the Sooners' basketball team.

Media Coverage and National Recognition

Trae Young's freshman season at Oklahoma University made him a national star. He was the top scorer and assist leader, drawing fans everywhere. His skills on the court made him a well-known name in college basketball.

Young's games were seen by millions on TV. People loved watching him play. He won many awards, including the Naismith Trophy, for being the best player.

Young's charm and interviews made him even more popular. He has millions of followers on social media. This let fans get to know him better, making him a big deal in college basketball.

Trae Young's freshman year at Oklahoma made him a basketball superstar. His scoring, passing, and personality won over fans everywhere. He became a big name in college basketball.

Legacy at Oklahoma and College Basketball Impact

Trae Young's time at the University of Oklahoma has made a lasting impact. His record-breaking season has boosted the Sooners' program. It has also left a mark on college basketball as a whole.

Young's unique skills have won over fans and analysts. His ability to score and set up plays has been impressive. This has made him a standout player.

Young's legacy at Oklahoma is clear. He will always be remembered as one of the best. His success has brought more attention to the program, attracting new fans.

The financial gains from Young's success have helped the university. Increased ticket sales and merchandising have been a big plus.

Young's influence goes beyond Oklahoma. He has inspired many young players with his skills. His success has led to a focus on smart, skilled players in college basketball.

The NCAA has taken notice of this trend. Young's impact will be felt for years to come. He has set a new standard for college basketball stars.