Sophomore Melo Trimble, the Maryland men’s basketball team’s leading scorer and a starting point guard for the past two years, will declare for the NBA draft but will not hire an agent, the school announced Monday.
A new rule permits players to declare for the draft but return by May 25, meaning Trimble can participate in the combine but has until May 25 to withdraw his name because he hasn’t signed with an agent.
“I am looking forward to taking advantage of this opportunity and entering my name in the NBA draft,” Trimble said in a statement. “I am excited that the new rules allow me the chance to go through this process.”
Trimble began this season as a likely first-round selection but is a projected second-round pick in the latest mock draft by draftexpress.com. He led the Terps with 14.8 points and 4.9 assists per game, nearly two more assists than he averaged as a freshman. His 3-point shooting percentage dropped from 41.2 percent to 31.5, however.
“Melo will go through the draft process, which will provide him a stronger understanding of where he could potentially be selected,” coach Mark Turgeon said in a statement. “Melo has worked very hard and we will continue to support and guide him throughout this process.”
Forward Robert Carter Jr., a redshirt junior, announced Thursday he will declare for the draft and plans to hire an agent. Freshman center Diamond Stone also will declare for the draft and plans to hire an agent, the school announced Monday. If Trimble does leave, then the Terps will have to replace all five starters from this year’s Sweet Sixteen team.
Trimble helped revitalize the Terps as a freshman. After a 17-win campaign and five contributors transferred away in the offseason, Trimble and the Terps earned a record 26 regular-season wins last year.
