In the world of professional basketball, the NBA Draft is a highly anticipated event where teams select the best young talent to join their ranks. Every year, there are players who are drafted in the first round with high expectations, while others are selected in the later rounds with less fanfare. And then there’s the final pick of the draft, the 60th overall selection, who often gets overlooked and forgotten.
More often than not, the player who gets taken with the final pick doesn’t last long in the league. They are seen as a long shot, a player who may not have the skills or potential to make it in the NBA. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and this year’s draft saw one of those exceptions in the form of Sam Merrill.
Merrill, a 6’5″ shooting guard from Utah State, was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 60th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Many experts and analysts saw this as a surprise pick, as Merrill was not highly touted or projected to be drafted at all. But the Bucks saw something in him that others didn’t, and they took a chance on him.
And boy, did that chance pay off.
In his first season with the Bucks, Merrill has already made a name for himself as one of the most efficient shooters in the league. He has quickly become a fan favorite, with his sharpshooting and clutch performances earning him the nickname “Money Merrill.”
But how did a player who was almost overlooked in the draft become one of the most efficient shooters in the NBA? It all comes down to hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude.
Merrill’s journey to the NBA was not an easy one. He was not heavily recruited out of high school and had to walk on to the Utah State basketball team. But he didn’t let that discourage him. He worked tirelessly to improve his game and eventually earned a scholarship.
During his time at Utah State, Merrill continued to work hard and became one of the best players in the Mountain West Conference. He was a two-time conference player of the year and led his team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. But despite his success in college, many still doubted his ability to make it in the NBA.
But Merrill never let the doubters get to him. He used their skepticism as motivation to prove them wrong. And that’s exactly what he has done in his short time in the NBA.
Merrill’s shooting ability has been his biggest strength, and it’s what caught the attention of the Bucks. In his rookie season, he is shooting an incredible 50% from the field and 45% from three-point range. These numbers are even more impressive when you consider that he is averaging just 10 minutes per game.
But it’s not just his shooting that has impressed his teammates and coaches. It’s his work ethic, his attitude, and his willingness to learn and improve. He has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and has become a valuable member of the Bucks’ rotation.
Merrill’s success as the final pick in the draft is a testament to his hard work and determination. He never let his draft position define him or limit his potential. Instead, he used it as motivation to prove himself and show that he belongs in the NBA.
And he’s not just making a name for himself on the court. Off the court, Merrill is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He is a team player who puts the success of his team above his own personal achievements.
In a league where players are often judged by their draft position, Sam Merrill is proving that it’s not where you start, but where you finish that truly matters. He is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and a positive attitude can lead to success.
So the next time you hear someone say that the final pick in the NBA Draft doesn’t matter, remember Sam Merrill. He is not just defying the odds, he is redefining them. And with his talent and work ethic, there’s no telling how far he can go in the NBA.
So here’s to Sam Merrill, the former 60th overall pick who is now the NBA’s most efficient shooter. Keep proving the doubters wrong and inspiring others to never give up on their dreams. The sky’s the limit for you, Money Merrill.
