Freshman Phenom
Trae Young is the best player in college basketball. I know that is a bold statement given that he is just a freshman, but Young has the goods. He’s like the collegiate version of Steph Curry; a threat to pull-up the second he crosses half-court. Not only can he score from anywhere on the hardwood, but he also has an uncanny ability to set-up his teammates with high percentage shots. Through twelve games the Oklahoma guard is averaging 29.6 points and 10.7 assists, both of which lead the nation. There is no debate: Trae Young is thoroughly dominating the college game right now. But questions still remain about his future.
Can he be this productive all season?
Young was a heralded recruit (23rd ranked player nationally according to ESPN), but I don’t think anyone could have foreseen his meteoric rise to the top of the collegiate game. With Oklahoma set to embark on their Big 12 slate, it would make sense for Young’s numbers to dip a bit as the Sooner’s schedule gets tougher. With that being said, Young is posting mind-boggling numbers thanks to an insane usage rate and not simply because of a prolonged period of the hot hand or simply playing inferior competition. The Oklahoma freshman is shooting 41% from deep, which is good, but by no means elite. Where Young is separating himself is that he is hoisting ten triples per contest. So long as the ball remains in his hands, and there is no reason to believe it won’t, Young should be able to produce at a similar clip for the remainder of the season.
Where does he need to improve?
It’s really tough to nitpick Young’s game given what he is asked to do. He is averaging four turnovers per game, but he is essentially Oklahoma’s lone ball handler so four is not an excruciating number for Lon Kruger and the Sooner staff. Young could certainly improve his defensive intensity, but once again it’s hard to ask that of Young given the offensive burden that he is asked to endure in Norman.
In terms of areas of improvement for the next level, Young will need to add some muscle to his lean frame. Why? Because as he is now he is too frail to defend the post-ups of the Russell Westbrook’s and the Chris Paul’s of the world. Also, as he attacks the rim he will surely get bumped off of his spot as he is built right now.
What does his NBA future look like?
Young’s presence at the point guard position is rare. He isn’t a world-class athlete, but neither is Chris Paul or Steph Curry or Kyle Lowry. Teams will certainly pass on Young in favor of higher upside players such as Marvin Bagley and Deandre Ayton, but I know I wouldn’t. I think Young’s floor is as high as almost any player in the draft. At worst, he is an above average point guard with a potent three-point stroke at a time when the league values the three-ball more than ever. And if all goes well, Young could be in Steph Curry’s ballpark. That’s unlikely, but it is certainly possible.
