Oklahoma freshman guard Trae Young told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that he plans to enter the 2018 NBA Draft.
Young led the nation in both scoring (27.4 points per game) and assists (8.7 per game). In a game against Northwestern State in December, Young tied the NCAA single-game record for assists with 22.
“I’ve been preparing most of my life to join the NBA, and that time has come for me now,” Young said. “After an unforgettable year at the University of Oklahoma, I will enter the June NBA draft and fully immerse myself in the pursuit of a pro basketball career.”
Young stormed onto the college basketball scene in Norman, Oklahoma, playing for what is traditionally a football school. He was a five-star recruit who also had offers from Kansas and Kentucky, but still took many analysts and fans by surprise this season.
The Sooners were ranked as high as No. 4 in the Associated Press poll, but they finished 4-11 in their last 15 regular season and Big 12 Tournament games and many felt they only made the NCAA Tournament because of Young’s prominence. Oklahoma, as a No. 10 seed, lost its first-round game last week to No. 7 Rhode Island.
However, Young’s college career is behind him now.
“I don’t pretend to be ready to play in the NBA today, but I am determined to do what I’ve always done: invest in the work to prepare for the league and the incredible challenges it presents,” Young said. “I’m going to start training immediately for the draft, building up strength throughout my body, sharpening my skills and studying the best of the best.”
In its latest NBA mock draft, ESPN projects Young going ninth overall to the New York Knicks.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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