Sam is officially greatest USU ever

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Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by uscaggie » March 7th, 2020, 5:49 pm

He has now passed Wayne and JC in my opinion.

I think even Boomers will agree
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Aggieforlife » March 7th, 2020, 5:58 pm

GOAT, granted I’m only 26 and never saw Estes play, but greatest Aggie ever
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by uscaggie » March 7th, 2020, 6:03 pm

Note: No disrespect to Wayne or Jaycee. Spent my life admiring them both.

It took until that final three by Sam to win it for me to give him the nod. Now I’m officially all in for Sam



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Ahbye » March 7th, 2020, 6:05 pm

Agreed. Estes was and is a legend, but I think we tend to give him an untouchable status because of how he passed. Sam put a very mediocre basketball team on his shoulders and carried them to the championship against SDSUs best team ever.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Aggie formerly in Hawaii » March 7th, 2020, 6:10 pm

Jaycee was better statistically and his 3% was incredible, but Merrill has a killer instinct that I don't think even Carroll had.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by GoldcoastAggie » March 7th, 2020, 6:12 pm

Aggie formerly in Hawaii wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:10 pm
Jaycee was better statistically and his 3% was incredible, but Merrill has a killer instinct that I don't think even Carroll had.
Jaycee could never go one on one like that for a game-winner.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Turtle » March 7th, 2020, 6:12 pm

Greatest Aggie ever. That sealed the deal.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by cdaAg » March 7th, 2020, 6:15 pm

He's the best I've seen. He can do it all, and can do it all well. I don't have the longevity of some on this board, but remember as a kid watching Greg Grant. I remember most players since then. Sam's the best I've seen. And that is not a knock on any of the several GREAT Aggie players we've had for the past 37 years I remember watching.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Aggie formerly in Hawaii » March 7th, 2020, 6:15 pm

GoldcoastAggie wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:12 pm
Aggie formerly in Hawaii wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:10 pm
Jaycee was better statistically and his 3% was incredible, but Merrill has a killer instinct that I don't think even Carroll had.
Jaycee could never go one on one like that for a game-winner.
Nope and unfortunately Jaycee had a chance to hit a game winner to win the conference championship against New Mexico State in 2007 and missed.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by AggiePT » March 7th, 2020, 6:16 pm

Sam is the greatest! Proved it time and time again!



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Aggie formerly in Hawaii » March 7th, 2020, 6:16 pm

Obviously I hope we win a tournament game, but I really hope we win one for Merrill. Icing on the cake to a legendary career. Maybe 2. We will be playing an inferior team than San Diego State.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Elkaggie » March 7th, 2020, 6:17 pm

Sam hit about 10 game winners this tourney!
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by AggiePT » March 7th, 2020, 6:18 pm

Elkaggie wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:17 pm
Sam hit about 10 game winners this tourney!
This! ^^^^^



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by mcaggie1 » March 7th, 2020, 6:32 pm

Ahbye wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:05 pm
Agreed. Estes was and is a legend, but I think we tend to give him an untouchable status because of how he passed. Sam put a very mediocre basketball team on his shoulders and carried them to the championship against SDSUs best team ever.
What a foolish thing to say. Wayne did what he did in just 75 games, and no three point shot then. Jaycee, Grant and Sam played in over 130 games. Wayne was to be the second player taken in the NBA draft by the Lakers. SECOND PICK! Red Auerbach, the legendary hall of fameCeltics coach was asked befor his death if he thought Larry Bird was the best shooter he had ever seen. He said no, the best shooter he had ever seen was Wayne Estes.

He did pass tragically, but that is.NOT why he is regarded the way he is. It was what he did on the court and only that. Sam is great. One of the greatest. So was Jaycee and Greg Grant. Let’s celebrate this fantastic win....and agree that we have had some great players at USU to cheer for in our history.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by uscaggie » March 7th, 2020, 6:35 pm

I knew there would be some pushback. Always us when talking about 🐐
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by bluegrouse » March 7th, 2020, 6:36 pm

Legendary performance. Greatest Aggie of my lifetime. I didn’t see Estes. Just an incredible three days and an entire career for Sam Merrill
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by mcaggie1 » March 7th, 2020, 6:38 pm

uscaggie wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:35 pm
I knew there would be some pushback. Always us when talking about 🐐
No pushback intended, just a history lesson.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Aggie formerly in Hawaii » March 7th, 2020, 6:44 pm

mcaggie1 wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:32 pm
Ahbye wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:05 pm
Agreed. Estes was and is a legend, but I think we tend to give him an untouchable status because of how he passed. Sam put a very mediocre basketball team on his shoulders and carried them to the championship against SDSUs best team ever.
What a foolish thing to say. Wayne did what he did in just 75 games, and no three point shot then. Jaycee, Grant and Sam played in over 130 games. Wayne was to be the second player taken in the NBA draft by the Lakers. SECOND PICK! Red Auerbach, the legendary hall of fameCeltics coach was asked befor his death if he thought Larry Bird was the best shooter he had ever seen. He said no, the best shooter he had ever seen was Wayne Estes.

He did pass tragically, but that is.NOT why he is regarded the way he is. It was what he did on the court and only that. Sam is great. One of the greatest. So was Jaycee and Greg Grant. Let’s celebrate this fantastic win....and agree that we have had some great players at USU to cheer for in our history.
You are right, but Merrill just hit one of the biggest shots in USU history if not the biggest. It is a natural emotional reaction to say he is the greatest in this moment. In May when the season is over and the board is slow we can have a serious discussion about who the greatest Aggie player of all time is. Right now, people are rightfully on a gigantic high because of Merrill. Let's just all celebrate this win and we can debate careers in the offseason!
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by uscaggie » March 7th, 2020, 6:45 pm

The night we played Boise and Sam had a chance to pass Wayne’s point total, I actually took my kids to the spot that Wayne passed away. Made sure they knew the history. Then took them to the Estes center. Listened to the audio of Wayne’s last interview. RIP Wayne. The true Aggie legend.

This is a magical year and awesome to see Sam honor Wayne with his performance
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by dyedblue » March 7th, 2020, 6:48 pm

uscaggie wrote:The night we played Boise and Sam had a chance to pass Wayne’s point total, I actually took my kids to the spot that Wayne passed away. Made sure they knew the history. Then took them to the Estes center. Listened to the audio of Wayne’s last interview. RIP Wayne. The true Aggie legend.

This is a magical year and awesome to see Sam honor Wayne with his performance
Too bad the refs (I can't express myself without swearing) their pants that night and robbed Sam, and us of a great memory.


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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by mcaggie1 » March 7th, 2020, 6:48 pm

Aggie formerly in Hawaii wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:44 pm
mcaggie1 wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:32 pm
Ahbye wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:05 pm
Agreed. Estes was and is a legend, but I think we tend to give him an untouchable status because of how he passed. Sam put a very mediocre basketball team on his shoulders and carried them to the championship against SDSUs best team ever.
What a foolish thing to say. Wayne did what he did in just 75 games, and no three point shot then. Jaycee, Grant and Sam played in over 130 games. Wayne was to be the second player taken in the NBA draft by the Lakers. SECOND PICK! Red Auerbach, the legendary hall of fameCeltics coach was asked befor his death if he thought Larry Bird was the best shooter he had ever seen. He said no, the best shooter he had ever seen was Wayne Estes.

He did pass tragically, but that is.NOT why he is regarded the way he is. It was what he did on the court and only that. Sam is great. One of the greatest. So was Jaycee and Greg Grant. Let’s celebrate this fantastic win....and agree that we have had some great players at USU to cheer for in our history.
You are right, but Merrill just hit one of the biggest shots in USU history if not the biggest. It is a natural emotional reaction to say he is the greatest in this moment. In May when the season is over and the board is slow we can have a serious discussion about who the greatest Aggie player of all time is. Right now, people are rightfully on a gigantic high because of Merrill. Let's just all celebrate this win and we can debate careers in the offseason!
Me too. Big high, and still smiling
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by bluegrouse » March 7th, 2020, 6:51 pm

Not only is Sam the best in my lifetime, that was the biggest win and biggest shot of my lifetime too.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by BioAggie » March 7th, 2020, 6:51 pm

GoldcoastAggie wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:12 pm
Aggie formerly in Hawaii wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:10 pm
Jaycee was better statistically and his 3% was incredible, but Merrill has a killer instinct that I don't think even Carroll had.
Jaycee could never go one on one like that for a game-winner.
He just wasn’t given the chance under Stew. Saying that, and being a Huge Jaycee fan, I am also from Evanston, Merrill is the GOAT!



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by TrueBlue » March 7th, 2020, 8:16 pm

I have memories growing up of my Dad gushing over Estes and now....I totally understand how he felt. I will forever talk about Sam Merrill that same way, I was just glad I got to experience this with my 8 year old.

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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Yossarian » March 7th, 2020, 8:27 pm

What Merrill did in the last 10 minutes of these three games in three days is nothing short of historic. He willed this team to three gut wrenching victories and never flinched or got rattled. He was the focus of every team and hit clutch shot after clutch shot. Unbelievable.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Waldo » March 7th, 2020, 8:51 pm

I saw all play dozens of games (except Estes).
Sam is great - here is how I rank it for now.
#1 Estes
#2 Jaycee
#3 Grant
#4 Sam

Tony Brown hit the shot against Ohio State. Does not change my opinion.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaycee_Carroll
Last edited by Waldo on March 7th, 2020, 9:07 pm, edited 2 times in total.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by hipsterdoofus21 » March 7th, 2020, 8:52 pm

Waldo wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 8:51 pm
Jaycee hit the game winning shot against Ohio State in the last victory in the NCAA tournament. He made the shot while being guarded by the leading shot blocker in the country.
I saw all play dozens of games (except Estes).
Sam is great - here is how I rank it for now.
#1 Estes
#2 Jaycee
#3 Grant
#4 Sam
Ooooo, better check yo’ facts.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by 2004AG » March 7th, 2020, 8:54 pm

Waldo wrote:Jaycee hit the game winning shot against Ohio State in the last victory in the NCAA tournament. He made the shot while being guarded by the leading shot blocker in the country.
I saw all play dozens of games (except Estes).
Sam is great - here is how I rank it for now.
#1 Estes
#2 Jaycee
#3 Grant
#4 Sam
No he didn’t.


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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by AggiesForever » March 7th, 2020, 9:03 pm

to all you guys who never saw Estes play and are now saying Sam has surpassed him-- let me just say that I did see Estes play. And while Sam has done some really great things, Wayne Estes carried the entire USU program on his back for three years at a time when Utah, BYU and Utah State competed on an even-steven level with programs all across the country.

Not saying Sam isn't as good. I love him as much as you do. But it will be difficult for him to blot the name of Estes out of the 1st spot on the list and it has nothing to do with "legend." But I would certainly be happy to put Sam and Jaycee Carroll right there together in 2nd spot because they both did/have done some unbelieveable things. AND WE LOVE THEM ALL!!!

And by the way, it was Tony Brown that hit the shot. Jaycee hadn't even come to USU yet.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by dolphanaggie » March 7th, 2020, 9:08 pm

1. Wayne Estes
2. Nate Williams
3. Sam Merrill
4. Marv Roberts



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by NVAggie » March 7th, 2020, 9:11 pm

Basketball was different back in Estes day. I never Lomé to argue this generation vs. a earlier generation. They are not comparable.
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Aggie19 » March 7th, 2020, 9:15 pm

I always like the statement that, "He's the greatest of his time". It's impossible to compare, different games now vs then. Not that any of the players couldn't play in whatever era they were placed, just that the games are different and it makes it tough to compare. What would have Estes done with the training and technology that the players have now or a 3 point line? What would Sam do in an earlier era? We don't know, but I am confident in saying that they would all still be great players wherever they played.


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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Ahbye » March 7th, 2020, 9:26 pm

mcaggie1 wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:32 pm
Ahbye wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:05 pm
Agreed. Estes was and is a legend, but I think we tend to give him an untouchable status because of how he passed. Sam put a very mediocre basketball team on his shoulders and carried them to the championship against SDSUs best team ever.
What a foolish thing to say. Wayne did what he did in just 75 games, and no three point shot then. Jaycee, Grant and Sam played in over 130 games. Wayne was to be the second player taken in the NBA draft by the Lakers. SECOND PICK! Red Auerbach, the legendary hall of fameCeltics coach was asked befor his death if he thought Larry Bird was the best shooter he had ever seen. He said no, the best shooter he had ever seen was Wayne Estes.

He did pass tragically, but that is.NOT why he is regarded the way he is. It was what he did on the court and only that. Sam is great. One of the greatest. So was Jaycee and Greg Grant. Let’s celebrate this fantastic win....and agree that we have had some great players at USU to cheer for in our history.
What a foolish rejoinder. You're right, Estes scored a lot of points in very few games, but in a completely different sporting era. Athletes are so much bigger, faster, and stronger now. That's not debatable. The venues are bigger, the stakes are higher. Again, not debatable. There'll never be a sure way to tell. I don't judge people by woulda, coulda, shoulda. We'll also never know how Estes would have played in a championship game like that one. I don't particularly care. Sam made the biggest shot in Aggie history, and he made it in a championship game against the best team this conference has ever had up to this point. This conference is also the best we've ever been in as well. I could go on and on. Your opinion is based on emotion and nostalgia and the possibility of a high draft choice...in the 60's. It's Jordan syndrome. Nobody could ever be better, right?
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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by TheBigSilk » March 7th, 2020, 9:46 pm

Jaycee was pretty special. And, I still regard him as the best Aggie shooter in my lifetime. However, I don't recall a tournament level game where a clear out play was called for him to hit a well guarded (he was fouled) deep three. Add in that Sam did it in the Mountain West (better talent) multiple times in this tourney and in last years, and today against the #5 team in the nation. He may be the GOAT of my lifetime.



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Re: Sam is officially greatest USU ever

Post by Sl7vk » March 7th, 2020, 10:01 pm

mcaggie1 wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:32 pm
Ahbye wrote:
March 7th, 2020, 6:05 pm
Agreed. Estes was and is a legend, but I think we tend to give him an untouchable status because of how he passed. Sam put a very mediocre basketball team on his shoulders and carried them to the championship against SDSUs best team ever.
What a foolish thing to say. Wayne did what he did in just 75 games, and no three point shot then. Jaycee, Grant and Sam played in over 130 games. Wayne was to be the second player taken in the NBA draft by the Lakers. SECOND PICK! Red Auerbach, the legendary hall of fameCeltics coach was asked befor his death if he thought Larry Bird was the best shooter he had ever seen. He said no, the best shooter he had ever seen was Wayne Estes.

He did pass tragically, but that is.NOT why he is regarded the way he is. It was what he did on the court and only that. Sam is great. One of the greatest. So was Jaycee and Greg Grant. Let’s celebrate this fantastic win....and agree that we have had some great players at USU to cheer for in our history.

This. Anyone who thinks Sam is the goat doesn’t understand the history of USU basketball and just how great Wayne was.
There will never be another Wayne Estes and that is no knock on Sam.



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