Sam Merrill: Two-time MVP and ‘ultimate winner’

In the dying seconds of the Mountain West men’s basketball tournament final on March 7, Sam Merrill found himself with the ball in his hands and in a position to give his team the lead over the San Diego State Aztecs. With only six seconds left on the clock, and the fate of his team’s NCAA tournament chances at his fingertips, only one thing was on his mind. 

“I was just trying to get a good look,” he said. 

Even with all-conference defender KJ Feagin in his face, it was still a good look for Merrill.

Setting up shop from a yard behind the three-point-line, Merrill sailed a shot over the defending SDSU player, falling backwards as it fell through the net. Then, after a failed half-court prayer by Aztec all-star Malachi Flynn on the ensuing play, the horn sounded and the Aggies became repeat Mountain West champions.

Courtside view of Sam Merrill's game-winner that sent Utah State to #MarchMadness 😳

(via @ChristianWinn) pic.twitter.com/oVIvAijOio

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 8, 2020

Certainly, the game-winning three was the pinnacle of Merrill’s career, right?

Well, according to his recollection, the shot of his career took place a few years back. During a blow-out game during his seventh grade season, Merrill’s coach allowed the rarely-used underclassman to take the court. “We were up like 40… and I hit a half-court shot at the buzzer,” he said with a sarcastic grin, adding that it was “probably” comparable to his latest clutch performance.

Tongue-in-cheek aside, the senior guard from Bountiful, Utah spent his entire college career putting up big numbers for the Aggies in Blue. When he’s not breaking personal bests and school records, he impresses fans, teammates and especially Utah State head coach Craig Smith. 

“He’s just the ultimate winner and competitor,” Smith said. “Nothing surprises me anymore… he’s just so programmed to make the right play all the time.” 

🎥 | @CoachSmith_USU on what @smerrill05 means to this team. #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/nFG0IlveLp

— USU Men's Hoops (@USUBasketball) March 8, 2020

“The most unselfish star”

Merrill grew up an Aggie, as both his parents and sister Molli attended USU — in addition to meeting his wife, Kanyan, a terrific soccer player for Utah State — and it was always his dream to carry that mantle. As a young fan of the basketball team, becoming a high-caliber player is the culmination of that dream. 

“That’s what I’ve been reaching for my whole life and trying to accomplish, and to see Utah State back on the map is unlike anything I could have ever imagined,” he said.

Merrill’s impact on the court speaks volumes to his character, as his tenacity and leadership skills allow his teammates to play better and with confidence. “When he’s on the floor, there’s just so much confidence that he provides everyone else. He’s out there and guys just play better,” Smith said. 

With that in mind, Smith warned people to avoid labeling the star forward a prima donna or self-centered player, which most Aggie fans are already well aware of. 

“He doesn’t [shout] ‘Give me the ball!’ You’ll never hear that out of that kid. He’s the most unselfish star I’ve ever been around,” he said.

It is this selflessness and all-around determination on the court that allowed Merrill to rack up points night after night, season after season. Whether it is becoming the first player in Mountain West history to win back-to-back tournament MVPs, posting 20-plus points in 16 games this season or making his presence felt in each contest as detrimental to the opposing team’s lifeblood as possible, Merrill is a winner. 

As much as he contributes on the offensive end of the ball, his defensive prowess cannot be understated. 

“Sam is guarding the other team’s best guard every night, is a legit 6’5″ and long… way more athletic than people give him credit for,” Smith said. “He gets nowhere near the credit for how elite of a defender he is.”

In addition to his second-straight Mountain West tournament MVP, he positioned himself among the great Aggies of the past. During the Aggies’ quarterfinal against New Mexico, Merrill scored 29 points and moved into the second slot in career points on USU’s all-time scoring list. Two nights later, Merrill racked up his 129th steal, good for sole possession of the sixth spot on the school’s all-time list. He finished his Mountain West career, behind only Jimmer Fredette of BYU fame, in total points scored.

Preparing for the ‘Big Dance’

However, he isn’t content with Mountain West accolades and his ultimate goal is to help bring USU a win in the first round of the NCAA tournament. 

“It’s been the goal from day one. We had a chance last year, didn’t come through and fortunately found a way to get another opportunity,” Merrill said.

This year’s opportunity for the Aggies comes in the form of an automatic bid, thanks to last week’s championship victory. Currently, the team is awaiting the news regarding their first-round opponent, as Selection Sunday isn’t until March 15. 

Regardless of which team USU is slated to play, Merrill said he and the rest of the team will be ready. “You can bet that we’ll bring our best to wherever and whoever we play.”