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Maryland Basketball: Melo Trimble withdraws from NBA Draft

By Chris Bengel

Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) brings the ball up court against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) brings the ball up court against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Maryland basketball team was ready to move forward with an entirely new starting lineup.

Fortunately for the Terrapins, guard Melo Trimble announced on Wednesday evening that he was withdrawing from NBA Draft and returning to Maryland for his junior season. Trimble was the last player to announce his final intentions.

Trimble took nearly the entire timeline to make his decision, including working out for several NBA teams. Many draft publications had Trimble falling out of the draft all together.

The former Bishop O’Connell (Va.) star is coming off a season in which he averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals for the Terps. He was part of a Maryland team that reached the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament.

Trimble’s numbers were down from where they were in his freshman campaign. As a freshman, Trimble shot 41.2 percent from beyond the arc.

However, he only connected on 31.4 percent of his three-point attempts as a sophomore. In fact, he went through an eight-game period (Feb. 6 to March 6) where he made just 10-of-35 (28.6 percent) long-range baskets.

Trimble did finish off the season strong as he averaged 20 points during Maryland’s three NCAA Tournament games. The Terps were able to knock off Hawaii and South Dakota State before falling to Kansas.

Trimble is the only member of Maryland’s starting five from last season that will return. Forward Robert Carter and center Diamond Stone elected to forgo their remaining years of eligibility and hire an agent.

Maryland already has a strong backcourt with Anthony Cowan, Kevin Huerter, and Dion Wiley likely to see significant playing time.

Next: Kevin Huerter selected to Team USA U18 roster

With Trimble back in the fold for another go-round, the Terps have a clear leader and it’s a great chance for Trimble to be “the guy.”