Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young is a force to be reckoned with every time he steps on the court. A two-time All-Star, “Ice Trae” has distinguished himself as a superstar with impeccable ball handling and long-distance shooting range, he is regarded as one the most clutch players in the NBA.

Before taking the league by storm, he played collegiate ball for the Oklahoma Sooners where he made history as the only player to ever lead the NCAA in both points and assists in a single season.

Off the court, Young is committed to impacting the community that helped launch him into superstardom. He founded the Trae Young Family Foundation in 2019 which provides mental health support to families in his hometown of Norman, Okla, and the Young Family Athletic Center, a recreational center he built in the town.

On August 3, adidas released the latest incarnation of Young’s signature shoe, Trae 3, which was accompanied by a video featuring his father Rayford, and son, Tydus. Described as the most technologically advanced shoes that the iconic brand has produced, the Trae 3s are designed to ensure that he will continue to make his mark on the league for years to come.

BET.com spoke with Young about the release of his latest shoes, how he’s preparing for the upcoming season, and what drives him to play his best when the game is on the line.

BET.com: Earlier this month, you celebrated the release of the highly-anticipated Trae 3, the latest shoe from your signature line with adidas. How did it feel to finally release the shoes to the public?

Trae Young: I mean, it's crazy. It’s still surreal to me sometimes and I don't take it for granted. It's really cool. I'm excited for everybody to put the shoe on now. It's a different style than the Trae 2s and a lot more similar to the Trae 1s. I think people are gonna really like the shoes.

BET.com: The Trae 3s are continuing innovation that adidas basketball sneakers are known for. How involved were you in the making of the shoe?

Young: I'm very involved. We’ve been in multiple meetings throughout the year and it's a long process. When the team brings me ideas, I give my feedback, and ultimately we come out with the shoe. These shoes are very comfortable. We took a lot of time and talked about a lot of different things throughout the process. I love how it turned out and can’t wait for everybody to check them out.

BET.com: The Trae 3s mark your third collaboration with adidas. What makes them such a great partner for your brand?

Young: They have great people there. For me, I like to surround myself with cool people and great people that elevate me and that I can elevate. Since my first year in the league, I got that from them when I had my first meeting with them and it's been the same ever since.

BET.com: On the court, you have gained a reputation as one of the best clutch players in the league. What is it about being in those high-pressure moments that compels you to perform at your best?

Young: I think it has to do with my imagination. I just have so much confidence in myself and I also have an extreme imagination. I've always had that and I've put myself in those types of moments my whole life. I've been in a lot of those types of moments and I've missed a lot of shots but I've also made some too. That's just what comes with it. I put the work in so I just play with confidence. Those moments don't ever scare me. I’m always ready.

BET.com: Free agency was busy and the Hawks made some moves to place some more great players around you for a deep playoff run. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?

Young:  I'm excited and motivated to get the season started. It’s a dream to get to play in the NBA. So I'm just excited to do that. I’m looking forward to getting better and our team getting better.

BET.com: Lastly, in July you married your long-time partner Shelby Miller. Although it hasn’t been long, how has married life been treating you so far?

Young: I mean, it's only been it's been a couple of weeks [Laughs]. It's been short but it's been great so far. We’ve had a kid now for a year so we've basically been married for a little bit. We’ve been together for a while.