Hall of Fame

Merrill Brunson

Merrill Brunson

  • Class
  • Induction
    2022
  • Sport(s)
    UW-Platteville
Induction Video

(Written: July 2022)

Merrill Brunson was a two-sport standout at UW-Platteville, competing in men’s basketball from 1997-2000 and baseball from 1997-99 and 2002. He is the only Pioneer to receive National Association of Basketball Coaches NCAA Division III Player of the Year honors (1999). Brunson was selected to the NABC West Region first team in 1999 and 2000, receiving Player of the Year distinction in 1999.

Brunson finished his career with 1,538 points, and helped the Pioneers compile a 106-12 record and last undefeated season (30-0 in 1997-98) in NCAA Division III history. He received the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award in 1999, and led the Pioneers to two straight NCAA Division III titles (1998 and 1999).

Brunson ranks sixth on the program’s all-time scoring list, and holds the record for most points scored in consecutive years (1,042), has the most three-point shots made in a season (77), and the highest three-point percentage in a career (47.5) – a mark that ranks fourth on the conference list.

On the diamond, he was a two-time all-conference first team honoree (1998 and 2002) and added All-Midwest Region third team recognition in 1998.

He is a three-time member of the UW-Platteville Hall of Fame, receiving induction in 2017 as an individual, as well as 2014 with the 1997-98 men’s basketball team and 2015 with the 1998-99 men’s basketball team. In 2012, Brunson was selected to the WIAC Men’s Basketball All-Time Team in conjunction with the conference’s Centennial Celebration.

Brunson earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He resides in Mineral Point, Wis., with his wife Erika. They have three daughters Lennie, Ruby and Elyn, and a son Calum.