University of North Dakota Athletics

2008-09 (Junior): Started all 28 games in his first season for the Fighting Sioux ... Ranked fourth on the team in scoring (9.1 ppg) and second in rebounding (5.5 rpg) ... Reached double figures in 15 games, including the final three contests ... Also had a string of seven-consecutive games where he reached double figures ... Scored a career-high 16 points against Minot State (Jan. 2) in the second game of that stretch ... In his last three games, averaged 14.3 ppg and shot 59.2 percent from the floor (16-for-27) ... In 15 games against Division I opponents, averaged 8.0 ppg ... Made his last 10 free throws of the season after shooting under 50 percent from the charity stripe during the campaign ... Earned first letter. 

BEFORE UND: Played the past two seasons at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, N.D. ... Graduated as Lake Region's all-time leading rebounder and ranks seventh all-time in scoring ... Was named to the NJCAA All-America third team as a sophomore ... Was also named MonDak Conference Most Valuable Player as a senior after averaging 20.0 points and 9.9 rebounds ... Also earned first team all-conference and all-region honors ... Was the runner-up for MonDak MVP as a freshman after averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds ... Earned first team all-conference honors ... A 2006 graduate of Devils Lake High School ... Was the 2006 North Dakota Mr. Basketball recipient ... Lettered four times in basketball and football as a prep.

PERSONAL: Majoring in physical education ... Son of Joe and Terri Mertens.