Merritt Alderink set for big freshman season with ISU Basketball

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State basketball freshman Merritt Alderink is preparing for a big first season with the Sycamores.

The 6-foot-1 forward from Zeeland, Michigan, averaged 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds as a senior at Zeeland West High School. He originally committed to the Sycamores a year ago when Josh Schertz was still the coach, but he remains committed to Coach Graves and his coaching staff.

“When I visited here, I committed about a year ago, so when I visited I just knew this was my home,” Alderink said, “The guys, the coaches, we always have Coach Furr around, he’s a great guy and a big part of my commitment, so just the family atmosphere and the great community.”

As for his goals for his first season, they are simple for Alderink. He wants to make an impact not only on the field, but also in the Terre Haute community.

“I want to be the best player I can be and have the biggest impact I can on the program and the community. Basketball, not basketball, just has a huge impact,” Alderink said.