While the most well-known name on Auburn basketball’s roster this season is undoubtedly true freshman Jabari Smith Jr., there’s no doubt that sophomore center Walker Kessler has, quite literally, been a huge asset to head coach Bruce Pearl’s squad this season.
Arriving on the Plains this past season to earn more playing time, Kessler spent his freshman year with UNC and averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Now, he’s putting up monster stats with Auburn basketball, averaging 12 points and 8.4 rebounds in 26 games while shooting 63.9 percent from the field.
Kessler has been named to the Naismith Trophy 2022 Midseason Team, and made SEC history by recording two triple-doubles this season, per Auburn Wire:
"Kessler’s two triple-doubles in SEC match former LSU center Shaquille O’Neal and former Alabama Crimson Tide power forward Roy Rogers for multiple triple-doubles in conference play in a single season. O’Neal did it in 1992 and Rogers in 1996. Quite a feat and quite the company to be mentioned along with."
But if that isn’t enough to impress you, wait until you see Walker Kessler’s blocks compared with the total blocks of teams in major conferences. Unfortunately, UNC is not one of those teams:
Only 13 major conference teams have more blocks than @AuburnMBB's @WalkerKessler13 this season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/kQLIDeUkjX
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 17, 2022
Walker Kessler alone has blocked more shots than all but 13 major conference teams. With 123 blocked shots on the season (so far!!!!) Kessler is well on his way to being a major contender for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s one of 15 candidates on a list that includes Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgreen, and Arizona’s Christian Koloko.
Bruce Pearl has repeatedly praised Kessler for his rare ability to finish at the rim and put himself in compromising positions to make plays for the Tigers. Alley-oops to the center have become a centerpiece in the Tigers’ game, and when he’s not scoring he’s grabbing rebounds for his teammates.
With the crazy numbers he’s put up this season, it would be hard to argue that Walker Kessler doesn’t deserve to be named the 2022 defensive player of the year.