Ferris State Men's Basketball Adds Pair Of NCAA Division I Transfers

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball program, which is led by new head coach Brooks Miller, has officially announced the addition of two talented transfer standouts who will join the roster for the 2026-27 campaign.

The two NCAA Division I transfer additions include Eastern Michigan forward Merritt Alderink along with Wright State big man Ayden Davis.

Alderink, a former Michigan Mr. Basketball finalist, began his collegiate career at Indiana State as a freshman before joining the EMU program. He's a former prep star at Zeeland West High School in West Michigan who played in 24 games for the Eagles last year.

"Merritt will bring much needed experience and versatility to our team next year," said Miller. "I love his aggression on the floor and his ability to contribute to winning in a variety of ways."

As a freshman at Indiana State, the 6-7 Alderink appeared in 13 games and shot 59.1% from the floor. He led Zeeland West to the state semifinals while in high school, which marked the program's highest finish ever.

"Ferris State felt right because of Coach Brooks Miller - he wins, he's consistent, & it is clear he really builds trust with the players," said Alderink. "The energy around the facilities and pride in the program, as well as an academic advisor who was very intentional about academic and career options made it an easy choice for where I want to grow on and off the court."

Meanwhile, the 6-10 Davis played in nine games over the past two seasons for Wright State and shot 56.3% from the floor in limited action. As a prep player, he averaged 24.2 points, 14.8 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game as a senior at Onsted High School in Michigan.

""Ayden's size, length, and toughness will have an immediate impact on our success but it's his hunger to get back out on the floor and make those around him better that I think will separate him from our competition," said Miller.

Davis was also tabbed as a Michigan Mr. Basketball finalist and was a member of the Detroit Free Press All-State Dream Team along with the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) "Best of the Best" team as a senior. He was a three-time Lenawee County Player of the Year selection.

"I'm excited to be coming to a great place like Ferris State University," Davis said. "Coach Miller has already brought a lot of excitement to the program, and I can't wait to get there and get to work."

A two-time National Coach of the Year, Miller previously led Trine University to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship and most recently served as the Associate Head Coach this past season at NCAA Division I Central Michigan. He was hired as the 15th head coach in Bulldog men's basketball history.

The Ferris State men's basketball program has a long track record of success that includes more than 1,300 all-time victories, 17 GLIAC Championships and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances along with a national championship in 2018. Since 2004, the Bulldogs have reached the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen five times and won 13 GLIAC regular season or tourney titles. FSU reached the NCAA Tournament for the ninth time in 11 years in 2024-25 and has won 20 games or more 10 times in the last 11 full seasons of action. This past season, the Bulldogs made their 12th consecutive and 26th overall GLIAC Tournament appearance in program history.