Meet the WVU Basketball Team: Can Jake Auer Be West Virginia’s Latest Star Walk-On?

WVU fans always have an appreciation for their walk-ons, Jonnie West, Chase Connor, Spencer Macke and now Jake Auer.

Auer joins the Mountaineers as a fifth-year walk-on, coming from Division II Rockhurst University. He made an immediate impact his freshman year, starting in five games as a freshman and averaging 9 PPG and 2 RPG. Auer would see his numbers increase as his time went on for The Hawks. During his sophomore year campaign, Auer averaged 13 PPG and 3 RPG. And then in his senior year, he posted a career-high 25 points against Truman State.

Auer has appeared in three games this season, including the Backyard Brawl. Auer entered the game against Iona, still looking for his first Division I points. And after a dump down to big-man Eduardo Andre, Auer received the kick-out for a three from the top of the key. Auer drained the three, and the crowd—bench included—showed their enthusiasm. After getting ahead in transition, KJ Tenner found Auer on the right wing, and Auer made his second three-point attempt.

Coach DeVries was not surprised with Auer making his shots, noting that Tucker and Jake went toe-to-toe in high school, “I’ve seen him do that all the time,”DeVries said

“He is the type of walk-on, comes in everyday, works hard, doesn’t complain… when he gets his moment, he’s not afraid to let it go.”

A high-minute guy at Rockhurst, Auer understands what this opportunity to play for DeVries at a program like WVU can mean to him and is not afraid of a new experience.

“I reached out to Tucker… I was like why not do something crazy with this last year” Auer continued.

“We (Tucker and I) were great competitors in high school, I just took a chance… I’d be more than willing to be a walk-on for this team.  I’ve had a great experience so far.”

After a week hiatus, WVU heads to the Battle 4 Atlantis to join a loaded field. The Mountaineers will face the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs on Wednesday, with tip-off slated for 2:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN. The Thursday game will be against either Indiana or Louisville, with tip-off either at noon or 2:30 p.m.

For a related story, read how the Iona win impacted the KenPom rankings for WVU.