COLLEGE PARK – The University of Maryland men’s basketball team will have its floor general back for another season. Melo Trimble, who led the team in points (14.8), assists (4.9) and steals (1.2) last season, withdrew from the 2016 NBA Draft Wednesday night and announced he will be returning to College Park. “I am really […]
COLLEGE PARK – The University of Maryland men’s basketball team will have its floor general back for another season.
Melo Trimble, who led the team in points (14.8), assists (4.9) and steals (1.2) last season, withdrew from the 2016 NBA Draft Wednesday night and announced he will be returning to College Park.
“I am really excited to return for my junior season at Maryland,” Trimble said in a statement released by the university. “It’s truly special that I get to continue to play in front of my family, friends and our amazing fans. I’m looking forward to working out with my teammates this summer, and I am excited for what we can accomplish. I learned a great deal through this experience and I am committed to working hard in getting better each day.
“I’m appreciative of all the support that I have received from Coach (Mark) Turgeon, my family and my teammates throughout this process. I look forward to continuing my education and building upon the success that we have had at Maryland.”
According to most draft experts and websites, Trimble was projected to be a middle-to-late second round pick.
The NBA rookie salary scale for this year is projected to be roughly $1M a year for three years for the 30th pick in the draft. Trimble, who was thought to be selected between picks 45 and 60, would have seen substantially less and would not have been guaranteed a roster spot.
“Melo informed me (Wednesday night) that he has decided to return to Maryland for his junior season,” Turgeon said. “After gathering information throughout this process, I agree that this is the best decision for him.
“Melo is a very special person. He is a winner, and his impact on our program has been immeasurable. Melo has an extremely bright future ahead of him both on and off the basketball court. We are excited that he will continue to pursue his degree and build upon his legacy in College Park.”
With Trimble returning, Turgeon will now be without four of last year’s starters instead of five. Seniors Jake Layman and Rasheen Sulaimon graduated, while Robert Carter Jr. and Diamond Stone declared for the draft as underclassmen.
