The 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Player of the Year, Sterling Young, has chosen to pursue his basketball career at Indiana State University starting from the 2025–26 season after departing from Florida A&M. The Sycamores made this major deal to strengthen their team as they follow the leadership of head coach Matthew Graves.
Sterling Young’s Journey: From SWAC Star to Indiana State Sycamore
Young embarked on his path to the Rattlers through an atypical series of colleges. The Queens, New York resident started college athletics at Pratt Community College in Kansas before his sophomore year, when he averaged 15.9 points per game.
Young spent a short time at Charlotte, participating in five matches before moving to Florida A&M. During his second season at Florida A&M, Young became their leading scorer with 17 points per game, winning the SWAC Player of the Year for the 2024–25 season. Young helped Florida A&M achieve a 14–17 record with their first SWAC tournament appearance after joining the conference in 2021.
Sterling Young, reigning SWAC Player of the Year, will play for Matthew Graves at Indiana State next season.
Young had a heavy usage and productive year at FAMU. Scored several ways, including drawing fouls, making over 100 FTs at 82%. Terrific Asst-TO player as well.#MVC pic.twitter.com/zdHeDfTGH9
— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) April 25, 2025
Despite his success, Young’s season ended on a sour note. He was sidelined due to injury during the SWAC tournament, where Florida A&M was eliminated in the first round by Jackson State. However, a recent NCAA ruling granting an extra year of eligibility to athletes who previously competed at non-NCAA institutions has allowed Young to extend his college career into the 2025–26 season.
Indiana State’s Strategic Acquisition
Indiana State University is undergoing a significant rebuild under new head coach Matthew Graves, following a 14–18 season and a tie for eighth place in the Missouri Valley Conference. With six players from the 2024–25 season entering the transfer portal, Young’s addition brings much-needed experience and scoring ability to the Sycamores’ roster.
Young’s versatility as a guard and proven track record make him a valuable asset for Indiana State. His ability to score in various ways, including drawing fouls and making over 100 free throws at an 82% success rate, will be crucial for the Sycamores as they aim to improve their standing in the Missouri Valley Conference.
As Young transitions to Indiana State, expectations are high for his impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season. His leadership and scoring prowess are anticipated to be pivotal in the Sycamores’ quest for a more successful campaign.
Indiana State University acquired Young to start a new period in his athletic career while contributing to the Sycamores’ athletic reconstruction. The team expects his proven abilities, combined with his experienced leadership, to create increased competition before the upcoming challenges of the 2025–26 season.
KEEP READING: Former Indiana Guard Gabe Cupps Transfers to Ohio State After Two Seasons in Bloomington
Young’s story demonstrates college basketball’s evolution and proves the sport’s development.
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