The Walker Kessler transfer speculation is getting serious for fans of Auburn basketball, and it may culminate today with confirmation that the 7-foot center was walking around campus today ahead of his commitment decision. Though UNC head coach Hubert Davis has been trying to get Kessler back into Carolina blue, we’re liking our chances at getting the rising sophomore to the Plains.
The UNC basketball program has taken quite a few hits as of late, with Walker Kessler announcing his transfer ahead of Roy Williams’ retirement and now the news of Tar Heels senior Garrison Brooks entering the transfer portal, but Bruce Pearl and the Tigers are trying to capitalize on the opportunity to add a former 5-star prospect to the 2021 roster.
Fly War Eagle previously reported that Kessler was predicted to commit to Auburn basketball, and the event seems even more likely now with the news of his unofficial visit to the Plains. According to Auburn Twitter, it was confirmed today that Kessler and his family stopped by to walk around campus:
Walker Kessler was on Auburn’s campus this afternoon. not sure if he’s still there, but i’ve confirmed he at least stopped by and walked around on his way home from Destin with his family
— Drew Oldham (@orangeanddrew) April 11, 2021
Initially, there were reports that Gonzaga was leading the pack in terms of securing a commitment from Walker Kessler, but now it seems the Zags are out and Kessler will be deciding between Auburn and UNC, who has made a recent push to keep the center since the hiring of Hubert Davis. UNC fans even created the hashtag “WeWantWalker” to try and convince him to return to Chapel Hill, and some think the news of senior Garrison Brooks’ entry to the transfer portal makes a UNC return more likely for Kessler.
Though he has yet to announce an official decision date, Kessler will surely announce where he will be continuing his collegiate career soon, with the frontrunners being UNC, Gonzaga, and Auburn basketball. Hopefully, his impromptu visit to the Plains will be enough to convince him life is better in orange and blue.