NCAA Basketball: Ranking 2019-20 National Player of the Year candidates

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: Merrill of the Aggies reacts. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

Sam Merrill emerged as a household name on the national stage last season while carrying Utah State to a massive season. The Aggies exceeded expectations across the board behind his leadership as they won both the regular-season and conference tournament titles for the Mountain West en route to reaching the Big Dance. As a result of his sensational play, Merrill was named the conference’s Player of the Year and Tourney MVP. Looking ahead to this coming season, it will be exciting to see what Merrill puts together as an encore.

Over the course of last season, the 6-foot-5 guard posted 20.9 points (.461/.376/.909), 3.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He is a steady scorer with the ability to easily fill it up at all three levels. Additionally, Merrill takes advantage of any opportunity when left open. He shoots it exceptionally well from 3-point range but also is an elite free throw shooter while attempting nearly six shots at the charity stripe per game.

With his scoring and playmaking, Merrill is Utah State’s unequivocal leader. The Aggies are expected to be a fringe top-25 team in the country this year thanks to the returns of Merrill and big man Neemias Queta. It will be difficult for Merrill to compete for the National Player of the Year award, but if anyone has a shot outside of the Power 6+Gonzaga, he is the guy.

Merrill is someone that nobody can easily gameplan for and he could take Utah State to unforeseen heights this season.

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