1 / 3

2 / 3

Timpview guard Jake Wahlin (10) takes a shot over Timpanogos forward Caleb Nimmer (1) during a game between the Timpview Thunderbirds and the Timpanogos Timberwolves held Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, at Timpview High School in Provo. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald

Isaac Hale Daily Herald

3 / 3

Timpview guard Jake Wahlin (10) shoots the ball over Springville center Zack Visentin (24) during the 5A boys basketball state championship game between the Timpview Thunderbirds and the Springville Red Devils held Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald

Isaac Hale Daily Herald

❮ ❯

There are a number of reasons a college athlete will return to his home town.

Jake Wahlin, who played his high school basketball at Timpview, knew that coming home to Provo to play for BYU would mean his family would get to see him more often and his senior statesman status would push him into a leadership role with the Cougars.

But he wasn’t going to be satisfied with anything less than a chance to prove himself.

“My biggest priority was making sure they wanted me and needed me on the court,” Wahlin said. “Not just because I was a local kid or that I could be a good locker room guy. That happens to be an added bonus in my decision, but I truly felt like Coach (Kevin) Young’s vision for me to make an impact as a senior, and to win games, and to compete, that was the most enticing part for me.”

Wahlin — who had built a reputation as a tough defender and rebounder as a college player — said he never envisioned himself returning to don a Cougar uniform, especially after the long and winding road of his career.

A 6-foot-10 forward, Wahlin led Timpview to a No. 1 ranking back in 2021 before losing in the semifinals of the 5A tournament to Farmington and future BYU teammate Collin Chandler.

“Collin brough that up the other day,” Wahlin said with a laugh. “It still hurts.”

Wahlin committed to the Cougars and head coach Mark Pope before serving a church mission to Lithuania. He decided to switch his commitment to the University of Utah upon his return and played two years for the Utes, starting 23 games as a sophomore and averaging 6.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He transferred to Clemson for his junior season, starting 29 games and averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest. He played 16 minutes and contributed one point and four rebounds for the Tigers at Madison Square Garden last December when Rob Wright III hit a running 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 67-64 BYU victory.

Clemson lost to Iowa 67-61 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in March, finishing the season 24-11.

Wahlin felt like he needed another change.

“I loved Clemson,” he said. “I had a great experience there. But towards the end of the year I realized I needed to find a better basketball fit and system for my playing style. So I went into the portal and had a few options, but KY (Young) reached out kind of suddenly. We chatted a few times and I just felt like it was an opportunity I would regret no taking to come home.

“The biggest priority for me was finding a system that fits my playing style where we can play more in transition and a quicker pace, and then a coach that loves me and is all in on me. Being from Provo, understanding what it means to wear the BYU jersey, that was all just an added bonus. I just felt really right about it.”

Young said: “”We are excited to have Jake sign with us. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level having played in two of the best conferences in the country. He has the ability to stretch the floor and rebounds the ball at a high level. We’re really excited about his versatility and the way he impacts winning.”

Wahlin said he didn’t know anyone on the staff but Young and Chris Burgess, but over the years had developed relationships with several of his new teammates.

“Collin and I were really close in high school through AAU and stuff,” he said. “Dean (Rueckert), he’s like a little brother to me. I remember him coming to my games at Timpview and he was just a little guy. Brody Kozlowski, I played against him with the Utah Prospects (AAU) and Brooks Bahr, we actually grew up together in Fort Worth, Texas. We were neighbors. I would beat him up playing ball in the driveway and in the backyard. He older brother, Blake, who’s going to Long Beach State, we were in the same primary class and scout troop. Brooks is truly a little brother to me and always was kind of a shadow to me and my friends.”

Wahlin said he’s grown close to senior Dawson Baker through playing golf together and has felt welcomed by Wright, who will likely take over on-court leadership with the departure of AJ Dybantsa.

“He’s really welcomed me,” Wahlin said. “Despite this being my home I am new to the program and we’ve spent a lot of time together. We’ve got a good group and I’m excited.”

Wahlin’s role is a little bit up in the air with Young and his staff still engaged in completing the roster by adding some big men.

“I think the coaches are getting close to someone,” he said. “I trust that they’ll find somebody. They’re taking their time. There are a lot of schools in the same boat. Another piece or two and we can start getting a feel for each other, build relationships and chemistry on the court.”

Wahlin can play the five but is more comfortable as a power forward type with range (he’s a career 33% 3-point shooter).

“I’m able to knock down shots in transition and in the halfcourt,” Wahlin said. “I can create using my size and drive to the paint. I can find shots for my teammates. I think one of my biggest skills is defensive and offensive rebounding. That can set me apart from other players, my ability to get the ball and create extra possessions. I have a ton of experience playing some of the best teams in the country over the past three years.

“Last year at Clemson we were a Top 10 team defensively and I was a starter on that roster. I think I have a ton of experience and a physical mindset that will help the guys around me.”

Wahlin will be one of three seniors this season at BYU along with Baker and Nate Pickens.

“Being one of the few older guys, I’m excited to take on the challenge of being a leader on this team and kind of put my arms around some of the younger guys to help them along,” he said. “Depending on how the ‘five in five” thing goes, I do envision getting an extra year so I can play two seasons here. I think were getting to have really good camaraderie and we’ll be a fun team to watch for the fans.”