Maryland basketball is a program that has always had players with really awesome names. “It’s a tradition unlike any other,” and it continues with freshman point guard Melo Trimble. Also, Dez Wells (full name Dezmine Wells) is a pretty awesome name too.
This year we can reignite the “Fear the Turtle” tradition, as Wells, Trimble and junior forward Jake Layman are the three most fearsome of a Terps squad that set a school record for regular season victories.
Maryland was bounced from the Big Ten Tournament today, but Melo did his part knocking down four treys and scoring 22 of the Terps’ 58 points. A State fan heckled him with “You’re not the REAL Melo.”
Well, give him time. Besides Carmelo Anthony, right now in this incarnation, isn’t anything anybody wants to be compared to right now. The rookie floor general had a great, debut season- earning All-Conference honors as the Terrapins rose the highest ranking the school has seen in 12 years.
The 2014 McDonald’s All-American will one day be in the NBA Draft conversation for certain. Tom Izzo raved about the rookie from Upper Marlboro (I’m guessing that’s also Upper Flavor Country), Maryland.
“I don’t think anybody thought Melo was going to be what he was, and so sometimes it’s what you recruit, sometimes it’s how you coach, sometimes it’s the right system, and sometimes a guy just makes enormous improvement from the end of his senior year to the beginning of his freshman year,” said Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo.
Melo Trimble is listed at 6’3;” he’s not quite that big but he is has great size and strength, and that will definitely transcend to playing the one at the next level.
Tom Izzo broke down his specific traits. He discussed what Melo Trimble brings to the table on the court:
“has the ability to get into the lane it seems like whenever he wants…When he shoots the ball well, that brings a whole other dimension to his game. He can get to the free-throw line, he doesn’t miss, he can get in the paint. He can do a lot of different things. He’s got some size. He’s got some strength. I’m a big fan.”
Maryland Coach Mark Turgeon elaborated on who Melo Trimble is off the court.
“He’s terrific. There’s a reason we’re 27-6, because we have a really good point guard.”
“He’s become a better leader, and I thought he really competed defensively, had to guard good players this weekend, and it’s great to see. Happy for him.”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. You can read Banks’ feature stories and op-eds in the Chicago Tribune RedEye newspaper and hear his regular guest spots on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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