Sam Merrill is an American professional basketball player who played college basketball for the Utah State Aggies and was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2020 NBA Draft. What sets Merrill apart is his ability to step up and take charge in high-pressure situations; it is precisely this ‘Moneyball‘ precision in his shooting that has earned him the nickname “Money Merrill.“
In his very first season with the Milwaukee Bucks, he reached the pinnacle of team success, winning the NBA Championship in 2021; his journey to the NBA stands as a living testament to his perseverance and dedication.
Sam Merrill Biography
| Full Name | Samuel Hoskins Merrill |
| Nickname | Sam Merrill |
| Profession | Professional basketball player |
| Date of Birth | 15 May 1996 |
| Age | 30 yeas old (as of 2026) |
| Birth Place | Ames, Iowa, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac Sign | Tarus |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| @samerrill05 |
Early Life
Sam spent his childhood in Bountiful, Utah, and attended Bountiful High School while growing up. His parents’ backgrounds fostered a home environment where competition was as spirited as it was friendly. This upbringing within a tightly-knit Mormon community shaped Merrill’s character, emphasizing values such as discipline and humility. By his junior year, his statistics were quite impressive, and he earned ‘First-Team All-State’ honors.
Sam Merrill Relationships And More
In May 2018, Sam Merrill married former soccer player Kanyan Ward. The couple has two children—a daughter, Kendall, and a son, who was born in February 2025. They keep their private life largely private, but their public posts reveal that he is a devoted husband and father whose family inspires him to perform better on the court.
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriend | Kanyan Wad |
| Spouse/wife | Kanyan Ward (m. 2018) |
| Children | Son – one (b. 2025) Daughter – Kendall |
Sam Merrill Family
Sam Merrill’s parents—John and Jenny, both alumni of Utah State—instilled in him a dedication to hard work and a love for basketball from an early age. His father, John, coached his Little League teams, and both parents have remained a constant source of support for him throughout his entire career.
| Father’s Name | John Merrill |
| Mother’s Name | Jenny Merrill |
| Brother’s Name | Not known |
| Sister’s Name | One sister |
Career
Merrill faced the typical pressures associated with high school athletics, but at Utah State University, he was nothing short of a legend. Over four seasons, he scored more than 2,000 points—the second-highest total in school history—and also set records for assists and three-pointers. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission in Nicaragua prior to his college career.
In the 2020 NBA Draft, as a senior, he was selected 60th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans; however, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks on draft night itself. In 2023, he signed a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers—a move that proved to be a pivotal turning point in his career.
Sam Merrill Awards and Achievements
- 2019 – AP Honorable Mention All-American
- 2019 – Mountain West Player of the Year
- 2018 – Third-Team All-Mountain West
- 2029, 2020 – Mountain Wet Tournament MVP
- 2020 – Senior CLASS Frist-team All-American
- 2021 – NBA Champion
Sam Merrill Height And Weight
| Height (approx) | In centimeters – 193 cm In meters – 1.93 m In feet & inches – 6’4” |
| Weight (approx) | In kilograms – 93 kg In pounds – 205 lbs |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
Sam Merrill Net Worth
| Net Worth (Approx) | $3-5 million (as of May 2026) |
| Annual Income (Approx) | Update soon |
| Salary (Approx) | $9.5 million (annual) |
| Contract (4-year, 2025-2028) | $38 million (with Cleveland Cavaliers) |
| Real estate | Update soon |
| Income sources | NBA Contracts, endorsement, social media, etc. |
Some Interesting Facts About Sam Merrill
- Sam Merrill was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, to Jon and jenny Merrill, with his older sister, Molli.
- He became a starter as a sophomore at the midpoint.
- As a senior he posted 15.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebound, and 2.3 steals per game.
- Merrill was recruited by Stanford and Princeton but committed to USU.
- As a freshman Sam Merrill posted 9.4 points per game.
- In his sophomore, he averaged 16.3 points per game for the Aggies.
- Sam Merrill married to soccer player Kanyan Ward in May 2018.
- As a junior he averaged 20.9 points, 4.2 assists. 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
- In November 2020, he was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans as the final pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.
- On 13 August 2022, Merrill singed with the Sacramento Kings.
- Sam Merrill is also known by the nick name “Sammy Buckets.”
- He won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in his rookie season.
- Sam Merrill was the first overall draft in the 2022 NBA G League draft.
- His sister, Mollie, also played collegiate sports at Utah State as a soccer player.
FAQ:
How old is Sam Merrill?
As of 2026, Sam Merrill is 30 years old.
Who is Sam Merrill’s wife?
In 2018, Sam Merrill married his wife, Kanyan Ward.
What is Sam Merrill’s net worth?
As of May 2026, Sam Merrill’s net worth is around $3-5 million.
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