Trae Young’s Focus on NBA and March Madness Memories

Trae Young, a four-time NBA All-Star, is concentrating on building chemistry with his new teammates at the Washington Wizards as he aims to enhance his performance in the 2025-26 NBA season.

However, with the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, it’s tough to overlook the rush of emotions that come with this time of year—especially for someone who’s participated in the tournaments.

It’s not called “March Madness” for nothing. The energetic crowds, the intense atmosphere on the court, those nail-biting moments, and the classic underdog tales are all elements that fans and players await with eager anticipation.

Young had a brief yet impactful experience during March Madness with the Oklahoma Sooners back in 2018. That year, he emerged as one of the top players in the nation. Young was not planning on just a single game in the tournament, but he faced a tough Rhode Island team, ultimately leading to Oklahoma’s early exit. Despite that, he made history by becoming the first player to lead the NCAA in both scoring and assists in a season, later opting for the NBA Draft.

As we approach this year’s tournament, Young has some key advice for anyone who finds themselves in the thick of March Madness, whether they’re part of a large program or a small conference champion.

“I think the primary takeaway I had was understanding that I might not get another shot at this,” he mentioned. “As a freshman, I thought there would be more chances, but the way things unfolded, I had to seize the moments I was given.”

He emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged and putting in the effort whenever possible because the chances can be limited. “You really don’t know how many opportunities you’ll have to showcase what you can do,” he said.

Young recognizes how challenging it can be for players to pause and truly appreciate the significance of this legendary experience. He vividly recalls the whirlwind of emotions he felt stepping onto the court during his moment. “I’m not sure if ‘nervous’ quite captures it, but, yeah, I was flooded with emotions. It was bittersweet, really,” he reflected. Memories from that day still linger—the bus ride, the fans, and the significance for the university—all unforgettable.

Although Oklahoma lost in that round, Young remains a steadfast supporter of underdogs during tournament time and may even cheer for his Sooners if they qualify for the SEC Tournament. Oklahoma, ranked 11th, recently got off to a strong start by beating the 14th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks.

“We seem to be catching fire at the right moment,” he commented regarding his former team. “A few more wins could lead to exciting opportunities for us in upcoming tournaments.”

In connection with the tournament, Young has partnered with Sling TV to offer fans a new way to engage with college basketball. They’re introducing flexible subscription options allowing fans to watch March Madness games live through 1-, 3-, or 7-day passes.

Additionally, from March 19 to 22, if lower-seeded teams advance to the Sweet 16, eligible customers could snag a one-day pass for just a dollar.

“Participating in something this enjoyable is incredible,” Young shared, acknowledging the fans’ role in boosting enthusiasm for the games. “It’s all about rallying more people to tune in and enjoy the excitement of these matchups.” If any underdog reaches the Sweet 16, fans can redeem their one-day passes during the championship game on April 6.