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In the months leading up to the 2015-16 college basketball season, BTPowerhouse will be releasing a new series called the 'BTPowerhouse 25,' which features the Top 25 players in the Big Ten as voted by members of the staff. All players set to be on Big Ten rosters for next season were eligible during the staff vote with their top selection receiving 25 points and their 25th and final selection receiving 1 point.
Today's edition will take a brief look at Melo Trimble of the Maryland Terrapins who came in at #1 in the rankings. Trimble had an excellent freshman season in which he led the Maryland Terrapins back to the NCAA Tournament. This year, he's primed to do all of that and more for his team.
'BTP 25' - #1 Melo Trimble
- Eligibility: Sophomore
- Career Totals: 35 games, 1,173 minutes, 568 points, 135 rebounds, 106 assists
- 2014-15 Averages: 33.5 mins, 16.2 pts, 3.9 rebs, 3.0 ast, 0.1 blks, 1.3 steals
- Positional Role: Point Guard
Melo Trimble was a huge key to Maryland reasserting itself as a legitimate college basketball team. Head coach Mark Turgeon's career was on the decline before he ran into Melo Trimble. The Terps hadn't reached the Tournament since 2010, and things weren't looking too promising as Maryland made the move into the formidable Big Ten Conference, but Trimble's outstanding freshman season helped send the Terrapins dancing for the first time in 5 years.
Player Strengths
Sliding in at the #1 spot in the 'BT Powerhouses 25,' Melo Trimble has game. Arguably one of the best point guards in the country, Trimble showed some major poise and experience during his freshman season. A point guard who can dish the ball to his teammates is always a plus, and Trimble averaged a solid 3.0 assists per game, but one that can score 16.2 points per game to accompany his passing skills is an offensive juggernaut.
Melo Trimble also showed just how great he is at getting to and executing from the free throw line. Melo attempted a whopping 240 free throws last season, over 100 more than the next Terrapin, and knocked down 86% of his attempts. Having a reliable point guard who can draw contact and make free throws, especially in late game situations, is a huge asset for Maryland.
Areas for Improvement
Melo Trimble's turnover rate is definitely something that can be worked on if the guard wants to take the next step in elevating his game. His 2.5 turnovers per game weren't terrible last season, but there is a lot to be said about a player taking better care of the ball as he progresses in his career. While Trimble wasn't awful with the ball in his hands, there is no doubt that he can be better, and that is certainly something that he has been working at this offseason.
Melo Trimble will also need to adjust to an offense filled with newcomers. Without Dez Wells in the lineup, Trimble will begin to assume the roll of team leader for the Terps. With newcomers Diamond Stone and Rasheed Sulaimon, Trimble will have to facilitate the offense and make sure everyone is getting good looks.
Player Projection
The expectations for Melo Trimble are shy-high this season. After an outstanding freshman year, Melo Trimble will certainly be one of the favorites for Big Ten player of the year. The Terrapins are expected to make a run at the National Title this year, meaning a lot of pressure weighs on Trimble's shoulders. With his scoring and passing capabilities, it wouldn't be surprising to see Trimble lead the Big Ten in points and assists. It's possible that Trimble averages over 20 points per game next season and carries his team all the way through the NCAA Tournament.
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'BTPowerhouse 25' Rankings
- Players That Just Missed The Cut
- #25 - Kendrick Nunn (Illinois)
- #24 - Bryant McIntosh (Northwestern)
- #22 (tie) Rasheed Sulaimon (Maryland)
- #22 (tie) - Thomas Bryant (Indiana)
- #21 - Rapheal Davis (Purdue)
- #20 - Derrick Walton Jr. (Michigan)
- #19 - Caleb Swanigan (Purdue)
- #18 - Shavon Shields (Nebraska)
- #17 - Eron Harris (Michigan State)
- #16 - Zak Irvin (Michigan)
- #15 - Jae'Sean Tate (Ohio State)
- #14 - Bronson Koenig (Wisconsin)
- #13 - Alex Olah (Northwestern)
- #11 (tie) - Diamond Stone (Maryland)
- #11 (tie) - James Blackmon, Jr. (Indiana)
- #10 - Malcolm Hill (Illinois)
- #9 - Jarrod Uthoff (Iowa)
- #8 - Jake Layman (Maryland)
- #7 - Troy Williams (Indiana)
- #6 - Caris LeVert (Michigan)
- #5 - Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
- #4 - AJ Hammons (Purdue)
- #3 - Nigel Hayes (Wisconsin)
- #2 - Yogi Ferrell (Indiana)
- #1 - Melo Trimble (Maryland)