Melo Trimble, Maryland Terrapins
Opponent: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (13)
Result: 73-60, W
Stat Line: 37 minutes, 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 5/14 FG, 1/6 3PT, 13/14 FT
Position: Point Guard
Age: 21 (2/2/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 185 pounds, 6’2″
Analysis
This was far from Melo Trimble’s most efficient outing. The Maryland Terrapins star shot just 5-of-14 from the field and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, so it’s entirely understandable for one to believe that he didn’t, “Shine,” on Day 4 of the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
The reality of the situation is, Trimble led Maryland to victory by slashing, attacking, and getting to the line with NBA-caliber handles and body control.
Trimble got to the line for an absurd 14 free throws, sinking 13 of them en route to his closing mark of 24 points. That 24-point eruption helped the Terrapins pull away for a 73-60 victory, but more importantly, it helped Trimble establish his upside.
With the swagger of a star and the skill set to be an all-around point guard, Trimble proved against Hawaii that he can slash and attack with ease.
Trimble’s body control was exceptional against Hawaii, as he did an excellent job of coming off of screens and hitting the perfect angle. That’s a skill that is advanced in nature, as many great athletes exist, but lack the fundamental understanding of how to get by equally as athletic opponents.
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Trimble isn’t the best of athletes, but his ability to play the angles is a very promising sign for his NBA future.