Melo Trimble stayed close to home to play basketball once, and he might do it again.
The Washington Wizards are reportedly high on the former Maryland guard, and Jeff Ermann of InsideMDSports is reporting they may use the No. 52 pick to keep Trimble in the area. The Wizards made a similar move in 2002 when they used the 17th overall pick to draft Terp hero Juan Dixon. Dixon, who’s from Baltimore, made a similar decision to stay close to home to play college basketball when he signed with Maryland in 1996.
At Maryland, each was a local guard who played the role of hometown hero and carried his team to its highest level in years. In each player’s transition from college to the NBA, he faced questions about his college success and athleticism, or lack thereof, will translate to the NBA.
Aside from location, the Wizards may be a good fit for Trimble. While John Wall is entrenched as the starting point guard, backup Brandon Jennings may explore other options in free agency, and third-stringer Trey Burke will almost assuredly look for more playing time elsewhere.
Trimble struggled during the first day of the NBA Draft Combine last week before bouncing back and putting up 12 points and six rebounds on day 2. He’s also worked out for the Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets, who have the Nos. 38 and 57 picks, respectively.
In other news
One of Maryland basketball’s long-time targets is off the board.
Maryland baseball is struggling to the finish right now. They may have hit a low point against High Point last night.
On a more positive note, our friends at The Diamondback wrote about Terps pitcher John Murphy’s much-improved ERA.
“X” marks the spot! Brenda Frese offered 2020 wing Treasure Hunt earlier this week.
Sporting News released their Top 25 running backs in college football list earlier this week. Ty Johnson was an honorable mention.
Cole Field House is looking even cooler than it was four days ago.
Three days later: turf to the walls, sidelines, numbers and hash marks. pic.twitter.com/B88xv1m1a6
— Jared Goldstein (@_jgoldy17) May 19, 2017