The already stacked 2017 NBA Draft class just added another player to the field, and it’s another talented point guard. Maryland Terrapins point guard Melo Trimble, just one year after he tested the draft waters, is reportedly going to enter the draft.
Following from Jeff Ermann of 247 Sports.
Melo Trimble is leaving Maryland.
The Terps’ junior point guard has decided to forego his final year of college eligibility and declare for the NBA Draft, multiple sources confirmed to InsideMDSports. Unlike last year, when he tested the waters before withdrawing his name and returning to school, Trimble is signing with an agent, which will officially end his eligibility — and his three-year revival of Maryland basketball.
Although not projected by many as a first-round pick, meaning a guaranteed contract could be hard to come by, sources said Trimble felt another year in college wasn’t likely to boost his stock enough to delay his pro career for another year; at 22, he’s already older than most rookies, and he’s a known commodity among scouts.
By signing with an agent — likely Doug Neustadt, who also represents Dragan Bender, the No. 4 pick in 2016 and brother of Maryland center Ivan Bender — Trimble can hire trainers and focus solely on preparing himself for the Draft rather than remaining in school.
Maryland was one of the higher seeded teams that were dealt an upset in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament. They were handed an early elimination thanks to the 11 seed Xavier Musketeers.
Melo saw his best overall statistical season as a freshman in 2015, his numbers dropped as a sophomore, and then he saw a small resurgence this past season as a junior, but his percentages were still pretty low. He’s not currently projected to be a first rounder, but a team with extra picks might take a chance on him.
Trimble has received many accolades during his tenure with Maryland including a selection to an AP All-America team in 2015 and an honorable mention choice in 2016. He was also picked as a member of the All-Big Ten team in 2015 and 2017.
