Upside Huge For Melo Trimble Despite AA Game Struggles

Bishop O’Connell’s Romelo Trimble could be a force for the Terrapins come fall. (Mandatory Credit: Louise Krafft/The Connection)

Maryland signee Romelo Trimble was the first McDonald’s All-American to come to College Park since 2003 (Mike Jones). On the national stage in the heralded high school all-star contest, Trimble may have struggled but the future is extremely bright for the home-grown star.

In 13 minutes, Trimble only scored two points (0-of-5 from the floor) and dished one assist in the 2014 game. The Bishop O’Connell star did show flashes of just how good he can be.

Obviously, the McDonald’s All-American Game is a glorified pickup game that may as well be played at Rucker Park instead of the United Center. However, despite that fact, Trimble came out with his fearless attitude and was not afraid to attack. He was not afraid to dial up his patented long distance shot early.

Despite not hitting a single shot during the game, it’s been made pretty clear throughout the past year that Trimble can do some sensational things on the basketball court.

One of the most impressive attributes of the future Terrapin is his sweet stroke. Trimble has an almost-perfect release on his jump shot and can connect from just about anywhere. He is the type of player that can create his own shot and did so against some of the top high school competition in the country in the WCAC.

One of the most mind-boggling thing about Trimble’s shot is his ability to consistently hit it in transition. Many players can be fearless and attempt shots from beyond the arc while on the break. It takes a great player to connect on a consistent basis. Trimble is absolutely lethal when it comes to getting out in transition and finding his shot. His quick release is really something special and should be out in full force at Maryland. The Terps will likely be very quick to get out in transition with likes of Dez Wells, Seth Allen, and Trimble.

Finally, Trimble has been criticized by many as not being a true point guard. However, it seems pretty clear that the future Terp has all the makings of a talented floor general.

Trimble can really execute the fast break and uses his speed to get out to a quick start in transition. He can deliver a beautiful bounce pass to a teammate that is cutting towards the basket and can also dish it out on the wing.

In a traditional halfcourt set, Trimble looks to set up the offense before looking for his own shot. Obviously the Bishop O’Connell star isn’t afraid to get take it, but does have a high basketball IQ and can find open teammates in a flash.

Trimble could be a huge impact player as a freshman for coach Mark Turgeon and company. Given that Roddy Peters is still looking to find his way in the college game, it wouldn’t be shocking if Trimble was the starting point guard very early on next year. That would allow Allen to shift over to the two-guard spot and allow him to play more off the ball. It’s still a while before we’ll truly see how ready Trimble is to contribute as a collegiate player, but the upside is huge for this local star.