March 15, 2025
Versatile guard Jimmy Scholler makes a big statement for Ferris State men's basketball team as NCAA DII Tournament kicks off
Last Sunday was a night of celebration for Jimmy Scholler and his Ferris State men’s basketball teammates before getting back to work.
Members of both Ferris State basketball teams gathered to watch the NCAA Division II Tournament selection show in the Ewigleben Sports Complex.
Scholler and teammates earned the program's 18th overall selection as one of the eight teams bracketed for the Midwest Regional Tournament at the University of Illinois-Springfield.
"It feels great being back in the NCAA Tournament," said Scholler, a 6-foot-3 guard from Grand Rapids who graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids. "We were worried about getting in, but I knew I didn't want my career to end that way."
The Finance major noted that he and his teammates will get another crack at University of Missouri-St. Louis in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Tournament at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. The Bulldogs fell to UMSL in the regional semifinals in 2023.
Scholler has been an integral part of the Bulldogs' success during his career, though he sometimes flies under the radar while making an impact at both ends of the floor for Ferris State.
He has racked up career totals of 583 rebounds, 547 career assists, 162 steals and 67 blocked shots. Among Ferris State's all-time greats, Scholler ranks second in assists, seventh in steals, tied for 12th in blocked shots and 18th in rebounds.
"I take a ton of pride in having an all-around game. I try to fill the stat sheet in all categories," Scholler said. "From my first practice, I had my eyes on cracking the top five in assists here at Ferris. That was something I did at my high school, and I knew I would play with many great offensive players here."
His commitment shows at both ends of the basketball floor.
"Defense and rebounding have been my strong suit, and I know how important it is so that is something I give lots of effort in," said Scholler, who can defend nearly every position on the floor, if needed.
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference features top-notch scorers on all teams – guys capable of posting big single-game performances. Ferris State men's basketball head coach Andy Bronkema frequently points to Scholler as a stopper if that player is a guard or a wing.
"I take great pride in guarding the opposing team's best player. I have done it a lot during my career, and I enjoy it," Scholler said. "It is not an easy task especially with all the great players in our league, but I do my best every game to hold them below their average."
As far as describing himself, Scholler said, "For someone who has not watched me play, I would describe my game as a big, playmaking guard who loves to get everyone involved. I give 100-percent effort all game."
Scholler is winding down his career in his fifth season of college basketball, including the COVID-19-shortened season – 19 games, of which he started 14.
"My biggest growth from freshman year to now is my defensive ability," he said. "My first couple years, I got exposed by some great players. I now am fully confident with whoever I match up with on the court."
Scholler's commitment to success is reflected on and off the court, saying he worked extremely hard in the weight room this off-season and feels like he is in much better shape than when he came in as a freshman.