So when they tell you they recruit length, they’re not lying. The roster says it.
I think that the deciding factor for me was fit offensively and defensively," said Mercer.
Mercer expressed confidence about moving up a year in the academic and athletic calendar. He noted that he has consistently competed against older players throughout his development.
"I’ve played 2027 my whole life. I really never played 2028.
So I know what all the guys look like.
Of course I’m going to be going against grown men in college and I get that, but I think that what the staff has planned for me and what they’ve expressed to me, they really believe in me.
I know that they’re going to put me in the best position to be the best version of myself," said Mercer.
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Connection with Coach Calhoun
The guard previously visited the university under the prior coaching staff. He built an immediate bond with coach Calhoun during a return visit to campus earlier this month.
"I think our connection grew as soon as I stepped foot on campus. (Calhoun) has a little different aura to him.
I loved all my other visits, but I think Coach Calhoun, there’s just something about him that I can’t explain.
It’s a little different," said Mercer.
Mercer added that the direct honesty of the new coaching staff regarding his developmental areas stood out as a primary reason for his quick trust in the program.
