Just when we thought UNC transfer Walker Kessler would be announcing his commitment to the Auburn basketball program, another day came and went with no word on his decision. Most Tiger fans probably went to sleep expecting a Kessler commitment by morning, but instead woke up to UNC Twitter claiming the freshman would be returning to Chapel Hill.
At this stage of the process, Kessler seems to be stuck between Auburn and UNC, and sources and insiders from both teams claim Kessler will be at their school for the 2021 season. Once Hubert Davis was hired to replace Roy Williams, he made it clear that he wanted Kessler back in Carolina blue.
But Kessler has been a target of Auburn basketball head coach Bruce Pearl since he was in high school, and missing out on the 7-footer a second time around would sting for the Tigers. Kessler reportedly has family ties in the Auburn area, which could have been the reason for his impromptu visit to the Plains over the weekend.
Just In: Confirmed by a verified IC account, Kessler was on auburn campus today. pic.twitter.com/NlbkLI0Xqz
β ππ¬π² π (@LouInPain) April 11, 2021
However, Auburn University is known to sell itself, and part of the recruiting pitch for most athletes includes the atmosphere of the campus, so whether or not it means anything serious it definitely didnβt hurt to have the freshman transfer walking around the Plains.
On the other hand, UNC Twitter has been on a roller coaster ride ever since Kessler declared for the portal in the first place. At first, Kessler was bashed as being the reason for head coach Roy Williamsβ retirement and everyone seemed glad to be rid of him, but the minute Coach Davis contacted him again the fanbase went nuts trying to re-recruit the center.
Despite Auburn Twitter insisting that the big man will commit to Bruce Pearl and Auburn basketball, UNC sources, insiders, and fans are all positive that Walker Kessler will be announcing his return to Chapel Hill:
Rumblings that Walker Kessler will be pulling out of the Portal and heading back to UNC. No official announcement yet.
β Josh (@TheZagaholic) April 12, 2021
Walker Kessler has yet to make any sort of statement on his decision date, but it must come soon with the mounting pressure on the rising sophomore from both sides. Whether he chooses Auburn, Gonzaga, or UNC, all eyes in the college basketball world are on Kessler.