WASHINGTON, D.C. – If there was ever a sign Seth Trimble is feeling like himself again, UNC basketball’s sophomore guard showed it Thursday at the ACC Tournament.

Midway through the second half of a 92-67 win against Florida State, Trimble drove toward the basket and skied for a one-handed hammer dunk that increased the decibel levels inside Capital One Arena.

After landing on the hardwood court, Trimble turned toward the UNC bench and made a stank face, knowing that play would be among the key highlights shared on social media.

That bounce and energetic effort is something the fourth-ranked Tar Heels (26-6) have been mostly missing since Trimble was out two games with an upper-body injury in early February.

UNC’s top reserve combined for 12 points and eight rebounds in the five-game stretch following his return from injury. But in the last two games, Trimble is averaging 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds.

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“He's attacking the basket and using his athleticism to be able to finish. Defensively, he has the ability to be able to eat up the ball,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said of Trimble, who tied his career high with 12 points against the Seminoles (17-16).

“I thought that was really impactful and huge for us. … He's back at that level where he was playing since that first Duke game, and it's much needed. That type of energy and effort coming off the bench, that's a huge benefit for us.”

Trimble, who finished third in ACC Sixth Man of the Year voting, also had five rebounds and two assists in UNC’s ACC Tournament opener. The Tar Heels are 6-0 this season when he reaches double figures.

“I’ve just embraced it,” Trimble said of his role as UNC’s sixth man.

“I know it’s only been a few days (since the All-ACC voting was released), but that’s definitely how I see it going into this tournament. Just going in, providing energy, making sure I give what I need to give so we can win.”

Dealing with an injury, Trimble said, was a new challenge as he tried to work his way back and return to form on the court.

“It was definitely a tough process, but I’m glad I went through it,” he said.

“. ... I started questioning myself a little bit, but I think part of why this team is so good – and why these players are so good – we just put faith into our work every single day.”

Now, Trimble is starting to feel like himself again. It’s something that could make the Tar Heels deeper and more dangerous in March Madness.

“It feels good, but I’m not satisfied at all,” he said. “I know I have a lot more to give. The player I am, I know I can take ‘em up a whole other level.”

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC basketball's Seth Trimble dunks, returns to form at ACC Tournament