Maryland Terrapins: The Maturation of Melo Trimble

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Dec 30, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) brings the ball up court against the Michigan State Spartans during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

When you think of a college freshman, you may picture an immature kid, willing to make mistakes for the sake of fun. However, when you’re the starting point guard for a ranked Division I college basketball team, you have to grow up fast. Just ask Melo Trimble.

Things had been pretty much smooth sailing this season for the freshman sensation from Upper Marlboro. Well, that was until last night’s contest against Big Ten power Michigan State. For the majority of the game, Trimble was guarded by Spartans senior guard Travis Trice and Cleveland State transfer Bryn Forbes. He struggled to find a rhythm throughout, going just 2-13 from the field for the game. But, in his defense, both teams shot poorly, particularly in the first half.

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Often, when a young player goes through a rough patch, they pout and feel sorry for themselves. Trimble is a rare exception. Despite his shooting woes, he continued to be aggressive and look to get his teammates involved.

Late in the second half, once Trimble realized that his shot was not falling, he decided to attack the basket and get to the free throw line, where he has excelled all season long. The two overtime periods were no different. Trimble went 12-14 from the stripe, leaving his stamp on this game.

The Terps missed some key free throws down the stretch, but when they needed someone to step up and knock some foul shots down, Trimble was the guy. The poise he exhibits as a freshman has been unheralded to this point. When you watch him play, you would think he’s been in College Park for years.

Trimble took to Twitter after the game.

He’s spot on. This game wasn’t pretty at all, but it didn’t need to be. Leaders do what it takes to win the game. It’s that simple.

The Terps are currently ranked 12th in the AP Top 25 and continue to rise. There is no way this team is where they are without Melo Trimble. He has an opportunity to do some special things at Maryland. Regardless of how far the Terps go in March, both Trimble and this program have a bright future ahead of them.