University of Akron starter Bryan Trimble Jr. placed on a 'leave of absence'; Zips move on

The goal for the University of Akron men’s basketball team the rest of the way is to keep it simple. But the Zips might have to do so without a starter.

UA (17-9, 10-6) broke a three-game Mid-American Conference losing streak Saturday with a blowout win over Eastern Michigan, and the Zips did so without the services of starting guard Bryan Trimble Jr.

UA coach John Groce said Trimble is "on a leave of absence."

“It all starts with our toughness and togetherness, playing for each other and the vibe – the chemistry we had with each other Saturday,” Groce said.

Bryan Trimble Jr. on leave of absence

But what could be considered a significant piece of the puzzle is missing.

“Bryan is on a leave of absence. I made the decision the other day that he was going to take a break from the team, and that’s his current status as of today,” Groce said.

Asked if it were a suspension, Groce reiterated it was a leave of absence. However, it does not sound as if Trimble will be returning for Tuesday night’s game against Bowling Green, which the Zips beat in their first game this season.

In his prior four games, the last being against Northern Illinois, Trimble struggled offensively, shooting 31% and 29% on 3-pointers.

Zips played well against Eastern Michigan

Trimble's absence did not seem to matter Saturday as the Zips played well in all phases of the game in a 67-48 victory.

“Obviously, whoever we put out there has got to play well,” Groce said, “and that happened the other day. Every game is different. I do like the chemistry we had the other day. You know, that’s on all of us, coaches and players to make sure we’re connected like that, talk like that again, play physical like that again, be engaged, play for each other regardless of who plays.”

But how will the Zips replace Trimble's 10 points per game and his ability to shoot 3-pointers?

Groce said it will have to come by committee.

As far as offense in general, he liked his bench players, and singled out Michael Wynne for his nine-point effort against Eastern Michigan during his postgame interview. He mentioned several other players who can make that shot.

“Obviously, I have great respect for Bryan,” Groce said. “As a shooter, he’s an elite shooter, and the last time we played Bowling Green, he made 10 3s, so we know what he’s capable of.”

John Groce: Akron has leadership by committee

The Zips’ success as the regular season winds down and heading into the MAC Tournament could ultimately be dictated by who assumes a leadership role.

Right now, there is no one player like Loren Cristian Jackson from the previous three seasons grabbing the players to wake them up, fire them up and, if necessary, put them on his shoulders.

Groce said it’s done by committee, and his experience as a coach has taught him every team is different in that regard, and he said he has no problem with how this team handles that pivotal aspect.

He names forward Enrique Freeman and guards Greg Tribble and Mikal Dawson as players who assume those duties, with point guard Xavier Castaneda also finding his role.

“Some teams have had one dominant voice. Some teams have had two or three guys do it together,” Groce said. “The more ownership you can have, the better, so obviously I think leaders kind of emerge. It’s what they do. It’s not something I’ve learned over the years that you can just give somebody. Guys have to earn it, and it’s something that evolves in each team each year.”

Reach George M. Thomas at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com or on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas.

Bowling Green at Akron

Time: 7 p.m. Tuesday

TV/Radio: ESPN3/WHLO (640-AM)

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips men's basketball team goes on without starter Bryan Trimble