Insider Highlights Top UNC Basketball Breakout Candidate for 2024-25 Season

The day North Carolina basketball fans have been waiting for is finally here. The Tar Heels host Elon on Monday evening to kick off the 2024-25 season.

All eyes will naturally be on standout freshman Ian Jackson. The five-star recruit and No. 7 player in the country in his class, Jackson will carry a massive load immediately, starting next to RJ Davis and Cade Tyson on the wing.

However, there is one player that has been drawing serious interest from the scouts. Per The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, the third-year guard Seth Trimble is ready to emerge this season. Referred to as the breakout candidate and the player to watch for North Carolina, Trimble has a chance to re-establish himself as a top prospect.

"Every scout has mentioned how much guard Seth Trimble has improved. He’s the breakout player to watch at North Carolina this year and looks ready to emerge into the kind of player Tar Heel fans expected when he was a top-40 recruit back in 2022."

- Sam Vecenie, The Athletic

Trimble was a four-star recruit out of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. While the Tar Heels had significant expectations from him, Trimble hasn't been able to live up to the hype in his first two years in North Carolina. Last season, he played 17.1 minutes per game and averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game.

The calling card for Trimble has been his defense. Hubert Davis once referred to his on-ball defense as the best since joining the UNC coaching staff.

While Trimble's defense has been good, it hasn't been as elite as his potential indicated. Plus, his offensive shortcomings have been too large for him to earn extended minutes.

Trimble is not expected to start but the 6-foot-3 junior will try to crack the starting lineup by impressing early in the season. He will be the player to watch against Elon on Monday.

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