Over the past year, Merritt Alderink has been one of the biggest stock boosters from Michigan’s 2024 class. As he has grown his game, the 6’7” forward of Zeeland West High School and The Family, has seen his recruitment rise as well. He now has five scholarship offers in addition a number of other programs showing interest. 

Alderink is in midst of a breakout junior season. He is currently averaging 20 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game for Zeeland West. This includes a staggering 42-point performance in a game recently. 

Back in June, Toledo became the first school to offer Alderink a scholarship. Since then, Eastern Michigan, Grand Valley State, Oakland, and Western Michigan have also extended offers to the junior. Other programs showing interest include Belmont, Butler, Central Michigan, Iowa State, Loyola Chicago, Michigan, Michigan State, and Northern Iowa. He recently took a visit to one of these schools in Loyola Chicago. “It went really well,” he said about his visit to Loyola Chicago. “Coaching staff is very focused on creating a competitive winning program and personal development of their players. The campus is beautiful.”

The junior forward described his game as a three-level scorer. “I’m able to knock down a pull up jumper and contested threes, I can finish over the rim really well. I’ve improved on defense a lot this year.”