Trae Young’s Dad Heaps Praise on Duke Basketball Alum

Duke basketball product Quin Sndyer looks like a perfect fit for the Hawks.
Trae Young’s Dad Heaps Praise on Duke Basketball Alum
Trae Young’s Dad Heaps Praise on Duke Basketball Alum /
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Former Duke basketball guard and assistant Quin Snyder owns the longest active streak among head coaches with his seven consecutive appearances in the NBA Playoffs.

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What's his secret? Beyond his noted brilliance with X's and O's, it seems Snyder never fails to connect with young superstars, especially volume shooters on the perimeter.

He and Donovan Mitchell formed a strong bond during their five seasons with the Utah Jazz, compiling the best regular-season record among Western Conference teams across their time together.

And now, a few months after accepting the Atlanta Hawks job, the 56-year-old Snyder appears instrumental in the 24-year-old Trae Young perhaps preparing to reach another level of stardom.

On Tuesday night, following Young's late-game heroics in the Hawks' 119-117 upset win at the Boston Celtics to force a Game 6 in Atlanta at 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday, his father gave credit to Snyder once again. Ray Young proclaimed on Twitter that "Quin Snyder is the best thing to happen to my son since he arrived in Atlanta draft night!"

After facing a 109-96 deficit with six minutes to play, it sounds like Quin Snyder orchestrated the comeback victory by inspiring an extra dose of confidence in Trae Young. The fifth-year pro scored all 14 of Atlanta's points in the final 3:18 of action, and his bold 30-foot game-winner extended their season by at least one more game.

Young finished with 38 points and 13 assists. And he didn't come off the court in the second half.

"Be instinctive," Snyder reportedly instructed Young before the team's final possession. "Make a play. We all believe in you."

His advice worked.

The two former Duke basketball talents on the Hawks' roster, Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin, had little impact in Game 5. Johnson tallied three points, three rebounds, and two assists in 13 minutes on the floor, and Griffin, who has yet to log any postseason playing time, didn't play.

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As for Duke basketball great and Boston Celtics sensation Jayson Tatum, he struggled to find his rhythm. He totaled 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists while shooting only 8-for-21 from the floor and a disappointing 1-for-10 beyond the arc.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.


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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.