Sam Merrill: Gospel Lessons Carried Onto the Court—and Vice Versa

Sam Merrill has made some big shots and missed some big shots. Through both, he's learned to focus less on what just happened and more on becoming better and preparing for what comes next. On this week's episode, Sam shares how a practice of daily repentance has influenced the way he approaches both his faith and his career in the NBA. "When you look at a team that is all in, it's every guy is doing the best that they can do to help the team win—whatever that looks like. There's a level of humility that that takes. You can have no pride, no egos, and everyone is focused on what really matters. And I think from a gospel perspective it's really similar. It's not all in on being perfect but having a constant desire to get better and to strive to be the best that you can be." 2:17- The Aggie Example of Returned Missionaries 4:32- Resilience and Dedication Learned in Nicaragua 13:18- A Temple in Cleveland! 18:20- Ready to Serve a Mission 21:16- The Support of a Spouse 23:01- Perspective Provided by Faith 25:06- Working for a Spot in the League 27:47- Donovan Mitchell and 'Money Merrill' 29:45- The Blessing of Going Home 31:31- Big Shots and Big Moments 36:44- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Links: From the Logo with Jimmer Fredette interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMawE8oUpE4 Sam Merrill's Big Shot at Utah State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShC02_e8UbM Donovan Mitchell in Money Merrill Jersey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcF_D9tY-Ww "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." ― Jenkin Lloyd Jones Brad Wilcox, "My Grace is Sufficient" - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/