Trae Young To Enter NBA Draft, Leave Oklahoma After Stellar Freshman Year

Trae Young is ready to enter the hallowed ranks of the so-called “one and done.”

The Oklahoma Sooners guard told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday he’ll enter the 2018 NBA draft and forgo his final three years of college-basketball eligibility. He explained his decision in a heartfelt statement.

“I’ve been preparing most of my life to join the NBA, and that time has come for me now: 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 said, per Wojnarowski.

Young led the nation in points (27.4) and assists (8.7) per game, helping the Sooners earn an 18-13 record and reach the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to Rhode Island in the round of 64.

“However, I will regret that I didn’t help the Sooners win a national championship,” Young continued. “I have always wanted to honor the legacies of Wayman Tisdale, Blake Griffin and Buddy Hield, OU legends who led the program to Elite Eights and Final Fours. I wanted to take the Sooners the distance — all the way to a national championship. When I chose OU, I imagined I’d have more than one chance at the NCAA tournament, but things changed and this season became my only opportunity.

“In the end, I have to make the decision that I believe is best for me, but it doesn’t mean I do so without a heavy heart, without some regret that we won’t get to run it back together next season.”

Young, 19, is expected to be a top-10 pick in this year’s draft.