Seth Trimble, senior guard and Ben & Jerry’s owner, has stepped up his game.
It was already known that he would be the elder statesman on this team, but even with his injury he continues to have a major
impact.
Recently, UNC basketball has had vocal leaders like Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan and leaders by example like RJ Davis. And while the Harrison and Cormac year was great, last season leadership seemed to be lacking.
Seth Trimble appears to be both vocal and example.
In the Kansas game I witnessed Caleb Wilson trash-talking after a play and Seth rushing over to basically give Caleb the shhh emoji. And Caleb listened and immediately stopped. In a tight game at that point, it was leadership in action that successfully avoided a technical foul.
Then Seth suffered his bizarre workout equipment injury. But he continues to lead.
After one rocky stretch of the Navy game, despite not being in uniform, Trimble was fully engaged in the huddle and verbally (and somewhat aggressively) letting his teammates hear his thoughts. Carolina blew a 24-point second half lead while letting Navy go on a 15-0 run. That likely didn’t sit well with the senior leader who was forced to watch from the bench, expecting more effort and energy down the stretch.
When the 73-61 Tar Heel win concluded, there was a players-only meeting called. While it has not been confirmed that it was Trimble who initiated it, if I was a betting man my money would be on him.
Seth has never been the greatest shooter but he has improved year over year and he’s inarguably an incredible on-ball defender.
In the end, it’s always great to have a leader like Trimble who can be a coach on the court and I’m sure that Hubert is very appreciative of his senior’s bonus tutelage.
UNC is 5-0 for the first time since 2022-23 and up next is a bout with St. Bonaventure before back-to-back clashes with #17 Michigan State and #12 Kentucky. Hopefully Seth is healthy enough to get back on the court before Christmas but regardless he’s still making an impact with his schooling and guidance from the sideline. Going into next week, I am thankful for that.
