CHAPEL HILL - For 14 days last spring, North Carolina’s roster for the 2024-2025 season did not include Seth Trimble. The now-junior guard entered his name into the transfer portal on April 9 before withdrawing two weeks later.
Trimble’s emergence and return to Chapel Hill can be connected to a former Tar Heel in Danny Green, whose conversation with Trimble influenced his decision to stay and invoked a “go get it” mentality in regards to playing time.
In the eight months since that phone call and what was expected to be the end of his time in Chapel Hill, Trimble has turned himself into the engine that drives the machine for the Tar Heels.
He scored a game-high 19 points in UNC’s 68-65 win over Georgia Tech last Saturday, connecting on five of his six shot attempts, converting his only three-point attempt and eight of his nine free throws. Add in his seven rebounds and four steals, and Trimble was, for all intents and purposes, the best player on the floor.
His plus-9 was tied for a game-high in the victory.
It marked the eighth time this season he reached the double-digit point mark and extended his made three-point streak to 10 games. Trimble now has 14 made threes through the season’s first nine games, besting his career-high of 13, which came across 34 games a year ago.
Most importantly, he has continued to take care of the basketball, not committing a turnover in the Tar Heels’ first win since Nov. 25.
“Seth was phenomenal with no turnovers. He got to the line a lot so he was able to step it up,” said UNC Guard RJ Davis. “He was huge for us on the defensive end as well. I know he’s only 6-foot-3, but we had him at the four. That just shows the type of versatile player he is.”
Once lauded for his defensive prowess, which is still present, Trimble has evolved into a leader for UNC, using his voice to propel the Tar Heels.
“[With] each team you have to have a voice and Seth has tried to bring that consistently every day and I think he’s doing a terrific job of it,” said UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis.
With two seasons under his belt, Trimble recognizes his role as a veteran, making the most of his increased role and opportunity. This includes not only being a leader, but being the pace car for the Tar Heels.
“Now that I’m older, being able to have a sense of calmness and a motor is huge,” Trimble said. “If guys are anxious and antsy, I’m there to calm them down. But if guys need the energy, I’m there to bring the motor. Best of both worlds."
Whether it’s guarding the opposition’s best player or leading the Tar Heels in scoring as he did on Saturday in the ACC opener, UNC goes as Trimble goes.
The Tar Heels are 5-1 in games in which he converts 50 percent of more of his shots. They’re also 4-1 when Trimble gets to the line four or more times, and 3-1 when he makes four or more free throws.
Trimble is shooting a team-high 85.7 percent from the charity stripe, which ranks third in the ACC.
His 16.0 points per game are second on the roster, and his 50 percent conversion rate (14-for-28) from three is a team-high. Trimble averages 1.6 steals per game and most notably has been able to play defense without fouling, committing just 1.7 per contest.
Trimble’s numbers have increased across the board, as he reached double digit points on six occasions last season, and made multiple three-pointers in a game just twice.
Inside the Lahaina Civic Center on Nov. 25, Trimble bested his career-high of 12 points with a 27-point, 10 rebound outing against Dayton.
While over two-thirds of the regular season remains, Trimble is on pace for career-high in every major statistical category.
He’s been a steady hand for UNC, and as it looks to complete non-conference play with marquee wins, Trimble’s positive impact will continue to power the Tar Heels.
