Full Breakdown
Trae Young Reflects on March Madness and Shares Insights for College Players
3/13/2026, 12:36:10 AM
Trae Young's NCAA Experience and Advice
Trae Young, a four-time NBA All-Star currently with the Washington Wizards, is preparing for the 2025-26 NBA season while reflecting on his past experiences during the NCAA Tournament. Young's journey in March Madness began in 2018 when he played for the Oklahoma Sooners, leading the nation in points and assists. Despite his standout performance, scoring 28 points with seven assists in a first-round game, the Sooners were eliminated by Rhode Island in overtime. This early exit left a lasting impression on Young, who emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities in the tournament. He advises current college players to remain focused, as they may not get another chance to participate in such a significant event.
The Significance of March Madness
Young recalls the intense emotions surrounding his NCAA Tournament experience, from the excitement of the crowd to the pressure of the game. He acknowledges that the tournament is a unique platform where underdogs can shine, making it a thrilling time for fans and players alike. "You never know how many shots you’re going to get to be able to even have a chance to play in the tournament," Young stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
Young's Partnership with Sling TV
In conjunction with the NCAA Tournament, Young has partnered with Sling TV to promote a special viewing experience for fans. The campaign, titled "When Underdogs Win, You Win," offers flexible subscription options for viewers during the tournament. From March 19 to 22, fans can purchase 1-, 3-, or 7-Day Pass subscriptions and receive rewards if lower-seeded teams advance to the Sweet 16. Young expressed enthusiasm about engaging fans through this promotion, stating, "It’s super cool just being able to be a part of something... and rooting for the underdogs."
Criticism and Reflection on Past Performance
While Young cherishes his March Madness memories, he admits that the loss to Rhode Island still stings. He reflects on the atmosphere of that game and the excitement it generated, indicating that he wishes he had more opportunities to compete in the tournament. Young's experience serves as a reminder of the high stakes and emotional weight of NCAA basketball, particularly for players who aspire to make a mark in the sport.
What's Next for Young and the Sooners
As the current NCAA Tournament approaches, Young remains hopeful for his former team, the Oklahoma Sooners, who recently secured a victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the SEC Tournament. He believes that if they continue to perform well, they could secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, further fueling his excitement for March Madness.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I think the main thing I learned was just understanding that you may or may not get another chance at this." — Trae Young, NBA All-Star
- "Everything about that whole experience, even if it was just one game, I’ll never forget that whole experience." — Trae Young, reflecting on his NCAA Tournament experience
- "It’s super cool just being able to be a part of something [with Sling TV], and the fans are such a big part of doing something like this." — Trae Young, discussing his partnership with Sling TV
- "I hate you brought it up. I'll never get over that." — Trae Young, on his 2018 NCAA Tournament loss
This article encapsulates Trae Young's reflections on his NCAA experience, his advice for current players, and his current engagement with fans through his partnership with Sling TV, all while maintaining a focus on the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness.
