The fulfillment of a dream: Sam Merrill’s journey to Utah State

Sam Merrill knew what it meant to be an Aggie long before he ever attended Utah State.

His father, John, and mother, Jenny, are both graduates of the university. His sister, Molli, played soccer for USU from 2008-11 and was an assistant coach with the team from 2012-15. From the day he was born, Merrill has been surrounded by Aggie memorabilia – shirts, hats, jerseys, posters and pins. Those trinkets can still be found at his family home in Bountiful to this day. As a child, Merrill attended numerous Utah State men’s basketball games with his grandfather, Reed. They always sat in the same seats together – Section B, Row 7 – just a handful of chairs away from the hardwood that Merrill would eventually come to roam.

He knows this university.

And now, as a member of the Utah State men’s basketball team himself, Merrill looks right at home in the Spectrum.

“I grew up an Aggie fan,” Merrill said. “It was always a dream of mine to play here. For me, it’s an unbelievable opportunity to see that dream come true.”

In 12 games since supplanting teammate Shane Rector for the starting two-guard spot, Merrill has averaged 10.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, all while giving up just 1.3 turnovers per contest. He has twice led the team in scoring this year – first against Boise State on Feb. 4, then again on Feb. 15 versus San Diego State. On one occasion, against Fresno State on Jan. 28, he led the team in rebounds. In conference play, the true freshman ranks first on the team for total steals (17) and assists (49), while among the team’s guards he ranks first in 3-point shooting percentage (45 percent) and free-throw percentage (89 percent).

With all of that aside, however, Merrill never came to Utah State with an expectation to start right away – especially as a true freshman. The 20-year-old acknowledged the veteran leadership the Aggies already possessed in Rector, senior wing Jalen Moore and junior guard Julion Pearre. He was also well aware of fellow true freshman, Koby McEwen’s talents and skills. By his own admission, Merrill returned from an LDS mission to Nicaragua in June overweight and out of basketball shape as well.

He knew he would have to put in a lot of work to even have a chance at the starting rotation.

But that’s not to say that was his goal.

“I just wanted to do anything I could to help this team win,” Merrill said. “That was my mentality then, and that’s still how I feel to this day.”

That mentality caught the eye of Utah State head coach Tim Duryea.

“He’s an unselfish player,” said the second-year head coach. “He has an innate ability to elevate the play of those around him; and that’s hard to find in a player.”

For Merrill, the opportunity to start was, and continues to be, a “humbling experience,” but the 6-foot-4 guard has seen the spotlight before.

In high school, Merrill was a three-year starter for Bountiful and even led the Braves to a 4A state title in his senior season back in 2014. But much like his career with the Aggies, Merrill’s hard work and determination wasn’t initially met with opportunity.

Merrill began his sophomore season with Bountiful on the bench, but at the halfway point of the season he was given his chance to start. In that year, he only averaged 6.5 points per game and 2.6 assists.

However, former Utah State assistant coach Chris Jones took note of the young player’s talents and decided to submit him an offer that following summer. Merrill committed soon after.

“I don’t think he even hesitated,” said Lynn Lloyd, Merrill’s AAU coach of 12 years. “He was always going to play for the Aggies, no matter what. No one could talk him out of it.”

In his junior campaign, Merrill soared. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game en route to being named first-team all-state by both the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune, as well as being awarded the Region 6 MVP. A deep playoff run ensued, but a last-second half-court heave from Aggie teammate and then-Sky View player, Jalen Moore, ended the Vikings’ playoff dreams despite a 35-point outing for Merrill.

“I remember that shot all too well,” Merrill said.

A resurgent senior season followed, as Merrill averaged 15.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. He also scored 20 or more points six times and hit double digits in all but one contest.

For his high school career numbers, Merrill attracted the interest of several instate schools and a handful of Mountain West institutions. But most impressively, Stanford and Princeton reached out to Merrill in an effort to peel him away from his Utah State commitment.

But, he remained steadfast.

“I don’t know if I’m smart enough for the Ivy Leagues anyway,” Merrill said.

Merrill noted he already has his eyes set on an NCAA title, or at least as close as he and the Aggies can get to one. For Duryea, Merrill’s goal is far from farfetched.

“I believe he can be one of the best players who will ever play for Utah State,” Duryea said. “He has all of the tools and the work ethic to do so. I’m certainly glad he’s playing for us, rather than against us.”

As for his decision to place Merrill in the starting rotation.

“Absolutely no regrets,” Duryea said. “He’s only proved me right so far.”