The Milwaukee Bucks closed out the 2020 NBA Draft by selecting Sam Merrill with the final pick. But what all occurred in his basketball journey that now brings him to Milwaukee?
It took plenty of time for the Milwaukee Bucks on the clock in the 2020 NBA Draft and the same certainly applied for Sam Merrill.
Chosen with the final pick in the draft, Merrill comes to Milwaukee as part of the now-official Jrue Holiday trade as the Bucks re-acquired the 60th overall pick that was originally dealt to New Orleans as part of the Nikola Mirotic trade in February of 2019.
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Having wrapped up his time at Utah State last spring and coming off such an accomplished collegiate career, Merrill laid down the launching pad that now brings him to Milwaukee.
But it has been a long time coming for the Utah native who now has his chance to start his NBA career with the Bucks with the 2020-21 season less than a month away.
How did Sam Merrill get here? Let’s dive into his story, starting with his humble beginning growing up in Bountiful, Utah.
Who is new Milwaukee Bucks player Sam Merrill?
It was in Bountiful, Utah where Merrill’s journey to the NBA all began, even as he dabbled in other sports besides basketball. Being a jack of all trades, Merrill still put his chips into the middle of the table with basketball where he played at Bountiful High School and Merrill’s star would soon ascend.
That didn’t happen immediately, though, as Merrill worked hard to break through for his his hometown school. Once he did, Merrill became a face for high school basketball within the state and certainly the attention of plenty of schools around the area.
As he eventually went on a state title to cap off his senior season, Merrill was faced with the choice of going to Utah State or possibly going out of state as he was being recruited by the likes of Princeton and Stanford. Reflecting on the interest he received from such illustrious schools, Merrill humbly responded with the following to Taylor Emerson of the Utah Statesman in February of 2017:
"“I don’t know if I’m smart enough for the Ivy Leagues anyway,” Merrill said"
Ultimately, Merrill stayed around home by attending Utah State and following the footsteps of both of his parents by becoming an Aggie. It was there that Sam continued to make a name for himself in his playing career.