USU Eastern Athletics

Merrick Rillstone, a freshman from Hamilton, New Zealand, brings an impressive competitive background and international experience to the USU Eastern men's basketball program. He attended Northfield Mount Hermon and South Lakes, where he played varsity basketball as a wing throughout high school. During his high school career, he averaged 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists per game while helping South Lakes win two state championships. He was also selected to the All-Region and All-District teams. Rillstone also won a National Championship in New Zealand and was named tournament MVP, while representing New Zealand in international competition for two years and finishing as a runner-up in two tournaments.

Rillstone is the son of Kristin and Terry and is the oldest of three children. His mother played college basketball at Gonzaga, while his father played rugby. His family is originally from New Zealand and continues to live there while Rillstone pursues his basketball and academic goals in the United States. Growing up in a family with a strong connection to sports has helped shape his commitment, discipline and approach to competition.

Outside of basketball, Rillstone enjoys gaming, watching television shows and movies, listening to music and spending time with friends. He plans to study psychology and chose USU Eastern for the opportunity to pursue his academic and basketball goals while working toward a future four-year college opportunity. He looks forward to continuing to grow as a player, student and person while pursuing his goal of playing basketball for as long as possible.