The junior guard entered the portal in April before returning to North Carolina two weeks later.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A visibly emotional Seth Trimble sat in the home locker room at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles back in March, thinking he had just played his last game for North Carolina.
Although Trimble had no intention of leaving, he believed it was the best choice for his basketball career at that moment. Once the initial shock of the loss faded, he entered the transfer portal in April and went to Florida to reflect on his future and consider his options.
While in Florida, he received several calls from UNC assistant coach Jeff Lebo, speaking with him “four or five times” during his time in the transfer portal. Discussions with Lebo, former players, and his family helped him clarify his thoughts, ultimately leading him to decide that he wanted to stay in Chapel Hill. After two weeks in the portal, Trimble announced he would continue his journey with the Tar Heels.
“There were opportunities in the portal where I could have become the player I wanted to be,” Trimble shared at the Smith Center on Friday. “But I needed to step back and assess my values to determine what would be best for me, both now and in the future. Ultimately, I realized how much I love this place. I never truly wanted to leave, but I felt it was necessary at the time. However, God led me back here.”
Trimble rejoined a North Carolina team that won the ACC regular season title last year and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. He finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting in the ACC, averaging 5.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game over 35 games last season. Trimble has started in three of his 68 appearances at North Carolina.
In North Carolina’s Sweet Sixteen loss to Alabama, Trimble scored eight points and hit both of his three-point attempts, but he only played four minutes in the second half and attempted just one shot. His total playing time was 11 minutes, marking a season low. After the game, Trimble experienced a range of emotions, but since returning, he feels like he hasn’t “missed a beat” and now feels mentally rejuvenated.
“He’s an incredible kid, a pleasure to be around and coach. The progress he has made each year is exactly what coaches hope to see, along with what players strive for,” said Hubert Davis. “I’m just so grateful that Seth chose to come back.”
“There was no specific process. I never wanted him to enter the transfer portal; I always wanted him to stay here.”
Trimble hit 13 of his 31 three-point attempts, resulting in a shooting percentage of 41.9%. He also shot 47% overall and 66.7% from the free-throw line. Averaging 17.1 minutes per game, he had the most playing time among UNC’s bench players. Trimble mentioned that he has increased his shooting repetitions without changing his mechanics.
Recognized as North Carolina’s top perimeter defender and one of its most athletic athletes, Trimble has shown improvement since last season, according to his teammates. Elliot Cadeau noted that Trimble is better at “everything” on the court compared to the previous year.
“He’s really elite now,” Cadeau said. “He was already elite last year, but he’s improved a lot this year. His defense is just as incredible as it was, and he’s made significant strides offensively that I think everyone will notice.”
Now back in Chapel Hill after considering the portal, Trimble—one of UNC’s five returning players—explained that his main focus this offseason has been on “being himself.” He aims to showcase his improvements on both ends of the court and adopt a more aggressive style in his junior year.
“I don’t think you’ve seen my full potential yet, and my goal has been to demonstrate that every day this summer,” Trimble said. “I’m just playing my game, making plays for my teammates, finding my sweet spots, and being the confident player I know I can be.”
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