Seth Trimble Nears Return as Hubert Davis Confirms Full 5-on-5 Work in Practice
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis delivered encouraging news for Tar Heels fans on Monday night, revealing that senior guard Seth Trimble has taken a major step forward in his recovery and is now practicing 5-on-5 with the team. The update came during Davis’ weekly radio show on Dec. 15, hosted by longtime UNC play-by-play voice Jones Angell, and it signals that one of the program’s most important leaders could be nearing a return to game action.
When asked how he plans to “reintegrate” Trimble back into the lineup, Davis responded with a smile and a straightforward answer that reflected both confidence and relief.
“When he’s ready, put him in the game,” Davis said with a laugh from inside Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery. “There’s no decision-making. He’s progressing nicely. I told you before, last week, that he’s doing individual workouts, nothing 5-on-5. But the last couple of days, he’s been 5-on-5 and been practicing with us. He’s progressing and I like the way that he is.”
The comments marked the most optimistic update yet in Trimble’s month-long recovery from a broken bone in his left forearm that required surgery. While Davis stopped short of giving a definitive return date, the fact that Trimble is back in full-contact practice represents a critical checkpoint in the rehab process.
It has been just over a month since Trimble suffered the injury that sidelined him after the opening stretch of the season. Before going down, the senior guard was playing some of the best basketball of his college career. Through the first two games, Trimble averaged 14.5 points, five rebounds and 3.5 assists, while serving as the emotional leader and primary perimeter defender for a Tar Heels team with championship aspirations.
Trimble’s absence has forced UNC to adjust on both ends of the floor. While the Tar Heels have continued to win — improving to 9-1 and earning a No. 12/13 national ranking — Davis has frequently emphasized that the team is still learning how to operate without one of its most versatile players. Younger guards have gained valuable minutes, and rotations have expanded, but the staff has consistently acknowledged the void left by Trimble’s leadership, toughness, and defensive presence.
That absence, however, may ultimately pay dividends once Trimble returns. The extended stretch without him has accelerated the development of several role players and forced the Tar Heels to diversify their offensive attack. With Trimble nearing a comeback, Davis could soon have more lineup flexibility and depth than at any point this season.
A notable sign of progress came during UNC’s recent win over USC Upstate, when Trimble was spotted without a brace on his injured arm. While he did not play, the visual alone fueled speculation that his return could be imminent. Davis has remained cautious publicly, but Monday’s revelation that Trimble is now participating in full 5-on-5 drills suggests the medical staff is comfortable with where he stands physically.
North Carolina will host East Tennessee State on Tuesday night at the Smith Center, a game that presents an intriguing question: Will Trimble suit up? Davis did not confirm whether Trimble will play against the Buccaneers, but his comments made it clear that the senior captain is getting close.
Even if Trimble does not return immediately, his presence in practice alone is significant. Teammates benefit from competing against UNC’s best perimeter defender, and the coaching staff can begin preparing for lineup combinations that haven’t been available since early November.
Trimble’s impact extends far beyond the box score. Widely regarded as UNC’s top on-ball defender, he often draws the toughest assignment on the opposing team. That role was on full display earlier this season when he scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a statement win over then-No. 19 Kansas at the Smith Center, while spending much of the night guarding Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson. His ability to defend, rebound, push the pace, and make winning plays has made him indispensable to Davis’ system.
UNC’s lone loss of the season came against Michigan State with Trimble sidelined, a game that highlighted how much his defensive edge and composure are missed in high-level matchups. Still, Davis has suggested that the adversity of playing without Trimble could ultimately strengthen the team, particularly once he returns to a roster that has been battle-tested in his absence.
As the calendar moves deeper into December and ACC play approaches, the timing of Trimble’s recovery could not be more important. Whether he returns against East Tennessee State or shortly thereafter, all signs point to UNC getting its senior leader back at or near full strength — a development that could significantly raise the Tar Heels’ ceiling heading into the heart of the season.
For now, the message from Hubert Davis is clear: Seth Trimble is progressing, he’s practicing, and when he’s ready, he’ll be back on the floor.
