Melo Trimble: Will he declare for the NBA Draft?

With Maryland Terrapin freshman guard Melo Trimble performing the way he has throughout the team’s inaugural Big Ten season, is it safe to say he’ll be a one and done prospect and declare for the NBA Draft at season’s end? Does it make sense?

Melo Trimble is fresh out of Bishop O’Connell High School where he excelled in basketball, and so far it has transferred to the college ranks, as he has been a leader as a true freshman for the University of Maryland’s basketball team.

This kid has real talent, and he ranks top ten in most major scoring categories in the Big Ten. Some of those rankings include:

• First in free throws (Big Ten) – 122; Third in free throws (NCAA) -122
• Second in free throw attempts (Big Ten) – 138; Ninth in free throw attempts – 138
• Ninth in points per game (Big Ten) – 16.1
• Fourth in total points (Big Ten) – 306

Melo gets to the free-throw line a lot. The team makes a point of being aggressive, attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He’s one of the best at it. In doing so, he’s helped his team win games and garnered some national attention.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone, because he has shown he can lead a team.

More from Maryland Terrapins

• Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29
• Maryland Terrapins: Roundup of Headlines in Maryland Sports
• Where Will Maryland Basketball’s Kevin Huerter Land in 2018 NBA Draft?
• Maryland Terrapins Offensive Lineman Jordan McNair Dies
• Remembering Maryland Basketball’s Cliff Tucker: Top 5 Best Moments

But does he have enough talent in him to be a one and done college player? No, I don’t think so. I’m not knocking his talent in any way, but the NBA is a totally different animal. While so many  players spend a year playing college ball and then go to the NBA, I don’t think it would be the right move for him to make.

He would be better suited to declare after his junior season, because he’s still young and has a great deal to learn and accomplish with his teammates. Next season, he’ll have to take a step up in his leadership since seven seniors will be gone from this team including Dezmine Wells, Evan Smotrycz and Jon Graham. Being a college player with the Maryland Terrapins coached under Mark Turgeon for another two or three more years would help groom him for the NBA.

Here are a few more accomplishments Trimble has had this, season courtesy of umterps.com:

• One of five freshmen selected for the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 (1/14).
• Ranked ninth in the Big Ten in points per game, averaging 15.7 through the first 18 contests.
• First in the Big Ten in free throw percentage (.882).
• Notched a team-high 17 points, including a 12-for-14 mark from the charity stripe, at Michigan State (12/30).
• Recorded a game-high 17 points, including a career-high five three-pointers (5-for-6)
  against Oakland (12/27).
• Tabbed Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week (12/15).
• Recorded first career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds vs. USC Upstate
  (12/13).
• Named to Bob Cousy Watch List.
• Tabbed Big Ten co-Player and Freshman of the Week (12/1).
• First freshman to earn player of the week honors since Jared Sullinger in 2011.
• Tagged Madness Big Ten Player of the Week (12/1).

Whatever Melo Trimble chooses to do, he’s going to be great. He clearly has shown that. He could be greater, though, if he takes some more time to learn at the college level.

Next: Melo Trimble Featured on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25