Prospect Spotlight: Jacob Merkle (2020)
Eudora rising 2020 Jacob Merkle is putting together a strong offseason for KC Premiere as he gears up for a breakout senior season. A hard-working 6’2 guard, Merkle brings a versatile skill set to the floor for his team. He…
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Continue ReadingEudora rising 2020 Jacob Merkle is putting together a strong offseason for KC Premiere as he gears up for a breakout senior season.
A hard-working 6’2 guard, Merkle brings a versatile skill set to the floor for his team. He is a tough match-up for opponents as he can take opponents off the dribble, shoot or post up.
On the defensive end, he is good at contesting shots and is a strong on-ball defender.
He says playing for KC Premiere has helped him prepare for his senior season as he continues to work on various elements of his game.
“Playing for my summer team in an intensive, competitive, fast-paced game,” Merkle says. “Where you compete against a lot of the best players in the area. Summer ball will prepare me to allow myself to slow the game down and command the floor at my pace.
“Over the offseason, I will continue to work on all areas of my game. I have mostly focused though on my shooting, defense, and ball-handling.”
Merkle says he is looking forward to being a key part of Eudora’s varsity this upcoming season after an up-and-down season in 2018-19.
“Last season we were mostly an up and down team, we had some good wins but also a couple of pretty bad losses,” he said. “We made some noise in the league when people didn’t think we would. Unfortunately, though, we were eliminated in the first round of sub-state. Next year we’ll be seeking some revenge and hopefully make a run to state.”Merkle says the biggest influence on his basketball career to date has been his dad.
“He was the first person to teach me the game of basketball,” Merkle says. “We would go on long walks where he would make me dribble around a basketball where ever we’d go. He’s always cheering for me to be the best player and person I can be.”
A fan of Kevin Durant, Merkle says he appreciates the NBA star’s all-around game.
“Being 7-feet tall, the way he moves, gets to his shot, and attacks the rim have always been intriguing,” he says. “More recently I have been watching James Harden and Luka Doncic. Both of their step-back moves and the ways they create space are definitely things I’m trying to add to my game.”