UNC basketball captain makes strong case for NBA roster spot

Even with an extremely disappointing end to their once-promising basketball season, the North Carolina Tar Heels benefited from the return of several key players, perhaps none greater than senior captain Seth Trimble.

Playing all four of his collegiate seasons in Chapel Hill, Trimble saved his best for last, averaging career highs of 14 points and three assists per game. Trimble isn't currently projected in any NBA Drafts, but he'll play professionally next season.

In this weekend's Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which puts senior in front of NBA scouts across a multi-day tournament, Trimble made a strong case for an NBA spot.

Helping his team to a 2-1 record across three games, Trimble averaged 14 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 54.5 percent.

Trimble was a fairly efficient shooter at UNC, averaging a 45.2 percent mark on field goals over his four years, so his weekend effort was an extremely encouraging sign for his childhood dreams. Trimble has the defense, heart and IQ NBA teams covet, plus he showcased extreme loyalty in the transfer portal era.

Remember Jalen Washington, the 3-year North Carolina center who spent his 2025-26 campaign at Vanderbilt? Trimble provided a big highlight over the weekend, too, posterizing Washington then high-fiving his teammates.

The NBA Draft isn't until June, with Caleb Wilson already declaring earlier in April. Henri Veesaar is mocked in the second round, but he'll be a first-rounder with one more year as a Tar Heel.