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Sam Merrill on Confidence, Work, and Being a Great Teammate
Aug
Sam Merrill on Resilience, Work Ethic, and Selfless Leadership
When you think of NBA player and Utah State basketball legend Sam Merrill, you might picture big shots on national TV. But Sam’s story isn’t just about game-winning moments—it’s about quiet gym hours, steady work, and values that carry beyond the court.
In this week’s Especially for Athletes podcast, Sam shares how his journey reflects three E4A principles: Be Resilient, Win the Hour, and Seek to Bless, Not to Impress. His perspective is a powerful reminder that greatness grows from daily choices.
1. Be Resilient: Build Macro Confidence
Sam Merrill draws a distinction between the temporary confidence of a single shot and the long-term trust built through consistent work.
“I’m a very macro confident person… my confidence game to game or shot to shot can go up and down, but I’ve always felt so confident in the work I’m putting in—that it’s going to pay off… During those years where I wasn’t sure it was going to work out in the NBA, I felt very confident it would work out somewhere because I put in the work.”
E4A Highlight: Resilience doesn’t mean pretending every moment feels great. It means continuing the work when results are delayed. Believe in the process you can control.
2. Win the Hour: Choose “Want-To” over “Have-To”
Sam points out that greatness isn’t about a secret drill—it’s about the intention behind each rep.
“Are you going to the gym because you have to… or because you want to get better and get something done? I’ve played with guys who are there because they have to be, and guys who are there because they want to be. I always felt like I wanted to be there—and still do.”
E4A Highlight: Before every workout or practice, set your purpose. Go with the intent to improve. Stack enough intentional hours, and that pattern becomes your edge.
3. Seek to Bless, Not to Impress: Be a Selfless Teammate
Even at the highest level of the NBA, teams thrive when players put people over ego.
“Being a good teammate is being as selfless as you can be… Ask yourself: ‘Am I being selfless for my teammates? Is this helping all of us, not just me?’ I’ve had great teammates—Jrue Holiday was an insanely good human… And with Donovan Mitchell, he cares about everybody, communicates, understands what role players go through.”
E4A Highlight: Your impact is bigger than your stats. True leadership is using your voice and energy to lift others.
Why Sam Merrill’s Message Matters
Sam’s journey—from Utah State standout to NBA role player—fits the heart of the Especially for Athletes movement:
- Develop confidence through consistent work.
- Be intentional with every hour.
- Value people over praise.
That’s how sports shape character and influence—not just achievements.
???? Listen to Podcast #147 with Sam Merrill — Hear the full conversation and share it with an athlete, teammate, or coach. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Eyes Up. Do the Work.