Photo by: WVU Athletic Communications
Life as a Mountaineer – Chase Harler
February 06, 2020 01:12 PM | Men's Basketball
Chase Harler is usually the guy Bob Huggins puts out on the floor when he needs someone out there who understands what he wants done.
He might not be the guy always scoring the points, but the things he does quite frequently lead to baskets, either by making the right pass, the right screen, getting a deflection or coming up with a loose ball.
And that's not to say Chase can't score as his season-high 14 points during last night's 16-point win over Iowa State attests. He's also made seven 3s in his last three games to help boost his season scoring average to 5.3 points per game.
But scoring is really secondary to his true value to a team that is currently 18-4 and knocking on the door of college basketball's Top 10.
Do you remember what Nate Adrian did for those Mountaineer Sweet 16 teams with his brains, hustle and toughness, well, that's what Harler is bringing every night - only in a smaller package.
"We wouldn't be 18-4 without Chase," West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said following the Iowa State win. "Chase has made big shots for us, and Chase is one guy you can depend on to do the right thing and be in the right place."
For Harler, who grew up in Moundsville in the state's Northern Panhandle, West Virginia University was always the right place for him.
He understands fully what the Mountaineers mean to the people of the state and the great joy the team's success brings to many.
"During my four years I've met so many cool people who say they watch me and watch the team and for them to get to meet me is a big deal, which I find kind of crazy," he said. "Being from a smaller town, I take a lot of pride in representing the state.
"Being from Moundsville is a pretty cool feeling for me," he added. "My dad is still in the area and he has a lot of people coming through talking about me and how proud they are of me. I take a lot of pride in that and I'm just trying to do whatever I can for the Ohio Valley to be the best role model I can be."
He may not admit it, but Huggins has a soft spot in his heart for small-town college basketball players because he was once a small-town player who excelled at WVU in the mid-1970s.
And there is certainly a connection.
"My freshman year to my senior year, my relationship with Coach Huggins has been phenomenal and I probably wouldn't change anything. I kind of understand what he wants from our team and for myself and kind of for each player, so when I'm out there I kind of get guys in the right position," Harler explained. "I might not always be out there scoring, but I feel like I'm affecting the game in different ways."
Much like West Virginia University has had an effect on him.
"The biggest thing for me was developing as a man. It's been a crazy journey," Harler admitted.
A journey that is still ongoing.
This week's Life as a Mountaineer was produced by Sarah Ramundt and is presented each week by our great friends at Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration.
He might not be the guy always scoring the points, but the things he does quite frequently lead to baskets, either by making the right pass, the right screen, getting a deflection or coming up with a loose ball.
And that's not to say Chase can't score as his season-high 14 points during last night's 16-point win over Iowa State attests. He's also made seven 3s in his last three games to help boost his season scoring average to 5.3 points per game.
But scoring is really secondary to his true value to a team that is currently 18-4 and knocking on the door of college basketball's Top 10.
Do you remember what Nate Adrian did for those Mountaineer Sweet 16 teams with his brains, hustle and toughness, well, that's what Harler is bringing every night - only in a smaller package.
"We wouldn't be 18-4 without Chase," West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said following the Iowa State win. "Chase has made big shots for us, and Chase is one guy you can depend on to do the right thing and be in the right place."
For Harler, who grew up in Moundsville in the state's Northern Panhandle, West Virginia University was always the right place for him.
He understands fully what the Mountaineers mean to the people of the state and the great joy the team's success brings to many.
"During my four years I've met so many cool people who say they watch me and watch the team and for them to get to meet me is a big deal, which I find kind of crazy," he said. "Being from a smaller town, I take a lot of pride in representing the state.
"Being from Moundsville is a pretty cool feeling for me," he added. "My dad is still in the area and he has a lot of people coming through talking about me and how proud they are of me. I take a lot of pride in that and I'm just trying to do whatever I can for the Ohio Valley to be the best role model I can be."
He may not admit it, but Huggins has a soft spot in his heart for small-town college basketball players because he was once a small-town player who excelled at WVU in the mid-1970s.
And there is certainly a connection.
"My freshman year to my senior year, my relationship with Coach Huggins has been phenomenal and I probably wouldn't change anything. I kind of understand what he wants from our team and for myself and kind of for each player, so when I'm out there I kind of get guys in the right position," Harler explained. "I might not always be out there scoring, but I feel like I'm affecting the game in different ways."
Much like West Virginia University has had an effect on him.
"The biggest thing for me was developing as a man. It's been a crazy journey," Harler admitted.
A journey that is still ongoing.
This week's Life as a Mountaineer was produced by Sarah Ramundt and is presented each week by our great friends at Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's BasketballRoss Hodge & Honor Huff | Stanford Postgame
Thursday, April 02
Ross Hodge | College Basketball Crown Preview
Monday, March 30
Honor Huff | College Basketball Crown Preview
Monday, March 30
Ross Hodge | BYU Postgame
Wednesday, March 11
