Who Are Sam Merrill’s Parents? Everything You Need to Know About the Cavs Star’s Family’s Life

When Sam Merrill hoisted that final three-pointer to seal his place on the Cleveland Cavaliers, he wasn’t just making history—he was living out the dream two Utah State alums quietly nurtured. His father, John, and mother, Jenny, met on Aggie turf and passed down their passion for sports and steady encouragement. From backyard contests to a 10-day contract in Cleveland, the Merrills have been Sam’s unwavering support system. Behind every deep ball and buzzer‑beater lies the foundation laid by two dedicated parents. 

Who is Sam Merrill’s father?

John Merrill, a graduate of Utah State University, is the proud dad of Cleveland’s sharp‑shooting guard. He hails from Logan, a town literally right next to USU’s campus, and that Aggie spirit has stuck with his whole family. “My dad grew up in Logan, where Utah State is located, so I come from a big Utah State family,” Sam once said.

&

John met Jenny, Sam’s mom and his future wife, during their undergrad years. And the rest, as they say, is history. Though he never played beyond high school, John stayed close to sports. He coached little league teams and celebrated every dribble and free throw that Sam ever took. A dedicated father to not just Sam but his sisters as well.

Who is Sam Merrill’s mother?

Jenny Merrill also calls USU her alma mater, where she balanced textbooks with club activities—and met John. As a college student she rooted for the Aggies alongside future husband John, and years later she cheered Sam through every season at Utah State. “My parents both played sports, although not past high school, and my sister played soccer in college,” Sam once reflected, nodding to Jenny’s love of athletics.

Today, Jenny juggles social media updates with supporting her son’s NBA journey. And she’s always ready with a post‑game pep talk or a handwritten note in his locker.

How did Sam Merrill’s parents contribute to his success?

If you ask Sam, he’ll tell you his parents were the first coaches he ever had. “We were competitive … just like most families. We played games all the time,” he admitted. You see, the Merrills had backyard basketball tournaments that often ended with Dad refereeing and Mom keeping score. Both parents instilled grit early on. And it didn’t matter whether Sam was wrestling with classmates on the playground or sinking jumpers at the local rec. This grit showed.

When it came time for college decisions, John and Jenny quietly steered him toward Utah State without heavy‑handed pressure. “So, when it came to decide where to go … it was mostly Utah State; I got some interest from Utah, but none from BYU. Yeah, I was probably never going anywhere else,” Sam explained, crediting his folks for creating a supportive, pressure‑free environment. They emphasized character over stats, reminding him that grades mattered as much as highlight reels.

Even after Sam’s two‑year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nicaragua, his parents were the ones at his side as he rebuilt his game. “It was getting back into shape … that was tough,” Sam recalled. He joked that his dad’s idea of recovery involved two heaping scoops of fish oil every morning, “It was NOT good—but it helped,” he confessed.

Today, when Sam drains another clutch shot or ties his career high, you’ll find John and Jenny Merrill celebrating like proud alumni. Why? Because they know every step of this journey. Their early lessons in competition, kindness, and balance helped Sam grow from a multi‑sport kid in Logan to an NBA sharpshooter. As the Cavs continue to ride his hot hand, the real MVPs remain the couple whose quiet faith and encouragement fueled every bucket he’s ever scored.

The post Who Are Sam Merrill’s Parents? Everything You Need to Know About the Cavs Star’s Family’s Life appeared first on EssentiallySports.