Above the Rim: Auburn's Blake Muschalek earns scholarship, playing time

AUBURN, Ala. – Now that Blake Muschalek is earning regular playing time, Auburn basketball fans in the Jungle don’t have to wait as long to cheer for one of their favorites. 

“It’s been awesome,” Muschalek said of his increased role. “It’s rewarding to see it go from practice to the court. A lot of hard work, a lot of struggle and practice. It’s rewarding to see all that play out.”

A 6-3 junior from Dallas, Texas, Muschalek is his high school’s all-time scoring leader who once poured in 48 points in the state quarterfinals while adding three tennis state championships. That resume earned offers from smaller schools but Blake wanted more; to prove he could play at college basketball’s top level.

“When I visited, it felt like a family atmosphere,” he said. “They made faith a big part when I visited and that’s a big part for me. That really stood out to me and my family. Even though it was going to take a while get on the court, it was a good spot for me.”

After Auburn reached the Final Four in Muschalek’s second season in the program, then-head coach Bruce Pearl awarded Blake a scholarship in Auburn’s locker room after a workout. No fanfare or big reveal, just a hall of fame coach rewarding a scout teamer for two years of service.

“BP came in and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to put you on scholarship,’” Muschalek recalled. “I said, ‘Awesome. Thanks!’ That was a good moment.”

Logging only 46 minutes of playing time his first two seasons didn’t stop Auburn fans from saving some of their loudest cheers for when Blake entered games and scored.

“It’s awesome,” Muschalek said. “I appreciate all the love. It’s fun to see the hard work pay off.”

Two of Muschalek's teammates are also his roommates, Reed Trapp and Joah Shay. He’s close to all of the scout teamers, who spend time before each game learning and executing the offensive sets and defenses Auburn expects to encounter.

“Meeting my best friends,” said Muschalek, a student in Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. “I didn’t know anyone when I moved here.”

An elite scorer at Trinity Christian Academy, Muschalek prioritizes defense on the Plains, knowing that’s what will get him in the game and keep him there.

“I got it when I got here because I ended up guarding Denver (Jones), Miles (Kelly), Tre (Donaldson), and Aden (Holloway) on the scout team, trying to give them a good look in practice,” Muschalek said. “I was forced into that role but it’s really paid off. I take pride in that. Whatever I can do to stay on the court and make an impact. Guarding those guys in practice has forced me to be a better defender.”

Muschalek also credits director of sports performance Damon Davis with helping him adjust from high school hoops to the SEC.

“The size and the speed of the game,” he said. “I think I’ve put on 30 pounds since I got here. Coach D is making me his project, so I appreciate that. You can’t just get a layup every time. That’ll get blocked.”

It took Muschalek only 16 games this season to match his total minutes played in his first two seasons, including 10 minutes Jan. 10 in Auburn’s 95-73-win 10 over No. 15 Arkansas. 

“That was awesome,” he said. “A great crowd. My dad got to be here and see it, so he loved that. I was happy that we could get our first SEC win. It was great to be out there, and it was super fun.”

Muschalek also hit a 3-pointer to help the Tigers pull away from the Razorbacks.

“It was awesome,” he said. “It felt really good. I’ve been trying to work on my 3-ball so it was good to see that one go in.”

Playing point guard for the first time this season, Muschalek’s minutes allowed Tahaad Pettiford to rest before returning to the court.

“I loved it,” Muschalek said. “In high school, I always played point guard. I love playing against athletic, big dudes. I don’t’ really think about it when I’m on the court. I’m just playing basketball and wanting to win.”

From walk-on to scholarship recipient, from high school bucket-getter to aspiring defensive specialist, Blake Muschalek’s Auburn basketball journey blends friends, fans and faith.

“I’m giving everything I’ve got,” he said. “No matter what’s happening on the court, I’m going to give it all I’ve got. Work as if you’re working for the Lord. That’s what I’m doing.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer