Galen Young


Galen Young is an American former professional basketball player. He played two years of Division I college basketball for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before carving out a career in the Continental Basketball Association and overseas.

College career

After attending Hillcrest High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Young spent two years at Northwest Mississippi Community College between 1994 and 1996. He transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and began playing for the 49ers in 1997. In 1999, he was named first-team All-Conference USA, Conference USA Tournament MVP, and Conference USA All-Tournament Team.

Professional career

Young was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 48th overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft. After spending preseason with the Bucks, he joined the Grand Rapids Hoops of the Continental Basketball Association. He spent the 2000–01 season in Japan with the Bosch Blue Winds, before returning to the United States and spending preseason with the Indiana Pacers. He then spent the 2001–02 season in the NBA Development League with the North Charleston Lowgators.
After a stint in Venezuela with Toros de Aragua in 2002, Young joined the Gary Steelheads of the CBA. Following the 2002–03 season, he joined the Seattle SuperSonics for preseason. He then returned to the Steelheads for the 2003–04 season.
In 2004, Young played in the Philippines for the Alaska Aces and spent preseason with the SuperSonics.
In December 2004, Young moved to Italy to play out the 2004–05 season with Viola Reggio Calabria. Young then split the 2005–06 season in Spain with Unelco Tenerife and in Italy with Pepsi Caserta.
The 2006–07 season saw Young help the Yakima Sun Kings win the CBA championship, while earning CBA Player of the Year honors. Following the CBA season, he had a stint in the Philippines with San Miguel Beermen.
For the 2007–08 season, Young moved to Australia and joined the Townsville Crocodiles. He appeared in all 32 games for the Crocodiles, averaging 11.3 points and 9.4 rebounds, but he had his off-court issues, such as being arrested for drink driving while on a suspended licence. He eventually pleaded guilty and was fined $2000 and suspended from driving for two years.
Young spent the 2008–09 season with the CBA's East Kentucky Miners. He then had a short stint in the Philippines with the Alaska Aces.
In December 2009, Young returned to Australia, signing with the Perth Wildcats for the rest of the 2009–10 NBL season as an injury replacement for Paul Rogers. In March 2010, he helped the Wildcats win the NBL championship. He then joined the BC Titans of the International Basketball League.
Young returned to the East Kentucky Miners for the 2010–11 season.
In 2011, Young helped the Hawke's Bay Hawks reach the New Zealand NBL final, where they lost 106–97 to the Wellington Saints. After a stint with the ABA's Bluff City Reign, Young returned to the Hawks for the 2012 season.

Coaching career

In 2016, Young became an assistant coach for the Lane College men's basketball team.