School: Gordon Tech, 2000.
Position: Guard.
College: Northwestern.
Young led Gordon Tech to the 2000 Class AA quarterfinals, where the Rams were eliminated by eventual state champion West Aurora. He has started all 69 of his games at Northwestern and is averaging 10.3 points and 3.6 rebounds this season for the 7-3 Wildcats. Young grew up playing basketball on Chicago’s West Side with such players as Illinois-Chicago’s Cedrick Banks and Martell Bailey (both from Westinghouse), Loyola’s David Bailey (Westinghouse), Illinois’ Luther Head (Manley) and Arizona’s Will Bynum (Crane).
Northwestern never has been to the NCAA tournament. How would it feel to be a part of the first team that does make it?
“This is a reason why I came [to Northwestern], because I like challenges. My life hasn’t been easy, but I’ve overcome things. I thank God for giving me that desire.”
What made Gordon Tech such a powerhouse?
“It’s the people you put in the jerseys. A lot of the people that went to Gordon Tech were from the West Side, and all had a passion and desire. We brought a toughness to the program that they hadn’t seen since Tom Kleinschmidt and his guys. After I graduated, I was definitely prepared to play at the top level in college.”
What is the difference between Catholic League and Public League basketball?
“The Public League is more of an up-and-down game, kind of like the NBA, with a lot of flash and one-on-one skills. The Catholic League is more college-like. It’s physical, and offenses are set. You see teams have discipline in what they run.”
What happens if you don’t make it in pro basketball?
“I’m a communications and sociology major, so I’m pretty good with a microphone. Also, I’m thinking about coaching and teaching and giving back to my community.”
What are those summer pickup games like?
“They’re intense. All the Chicago guys [from around the country] come home and we play these games with no cameras and no media, and it’s just fun, with everybody competing, trying to win.”
