It turns out you can go home again.
Two-time NBA All-Star Trae Young proved that last week when the former Norman North guard returned to his old stomping grounds to have his number 11 jersey retired.
Young is the first Timberwolf student-athlete ever to receive the honor.
“Wow, I’m speechless right now,” Young said to a packed house after an image of his jersey was unveiled on the gym wall. “For me, this is an unbelievable honor. To all these people behind me, from my teammates to former teachers, everybody. I appreciate everyone that’s here.”
Young was a member of the Timberwolve basketball team from 2013-2017. He led Norman North to a state runner-up finish in 2016. His senior season, Young averaged a whopping 43 points per game and finished his prep career as the school’s all-time leader in scoring (2,445) and assists (365). He was also named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American.
Upon graduation, Young spent one season at Oklahoma where he was the 2018 Big 12 Freshman of the Year and led the country in scoring and assists.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Young with the fifth pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He was the first rookie since 1961 to record 1,500 points and 600 assists in a season. This season, his third as a pro, the sharpshooter is averaging 28 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds a game.
“Tonight, everybody is asking me about being an All-Star and I’m over here not even focused on All-Star weekend,” claimed Young. “I’m worried about tonight. This is a crazy feeling for me. I’m just happy to be here.”
Although basketball has taken him around the world and allowed him to compete on the biggest stages in the sport, Young hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
“It’s crazy,” added the Atlanta Hawk star. “I was here not too long ago. I’m still playing. I’m still in my career. Usually this happens when you’re at the end of your career. For me to do this early is unbelievable. I know I’ve got a long way to go. I’m going to keep going.”
“Norman North is always going to be home to me, no matter where basketball takes me,” said Young. “Norman North is going to be my second home.”
“I’m forever a T-Wolf.”
