Walker Kessler

Early Life and High School Career

Walker Kessler grew up in Georgia and attended high school there. He was born in Atlanta and attended high school at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. He averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game in his senior year, while leading his team to its first Class 4A state title. He was named The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year, Mr. Georgia Basketball, and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. Kessler was selected to the McDonald’s All-American team in 2020 along with the Nike Hoop Summit.

College Career

Walker Kessler played for the North Carolina Tar Heels for one season and was then transferred to the Auburn Tigers for his sophomore year. He posted 8 blocks in a win over Notre Dame during his days in North Carolina and set the franchise freshman record for blocks in a game. He then chose Auburn over Gonzaga and immediately put on a show. He didn’t start in a single game for the Tar Heels but did so in all games for the Tigers. He is considered one of the best shot-blockers in the draft class, setting the Auburn single-season block record and leading the nation in blocks. He was awarded the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022.

NCAA Tournament Performance

The North Carolina Tar Heels, unfortunately, got eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament in 2021 against the Wisconsin Badgers. Kessler had a subpar outing off the bench, scoring just 2 points, 1 assist, and 1 rebound in 13 minutes. In his sophomore season, the Auburn Tigers went just one step further and got eliminated in the second round. Kessler had a monster outing in Round 1 against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, dropping 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 blocks while shooting 54% from the field. In the second-round loss to the Miami Hurricanes, Kessler’s performance fell off a cliff. He recorded just 2 points while shooting 0-6 from the field along with 2 rebounds and as many blocks.

College Stats and Splits

Walker Kessler had a minimal role with the Tar Heels in his freshman year, coming off the bench for less than 9 minutes per game and averaging just 0.9 blocks per game. His true potential was unleashed with the Tigers when he started every game and averaged a monster 4.6 blocks per game. His scoring and rebounding numbers improved as well, from 4.4 points to 11.4 points a night.

Walker Kessler’s career splits aren’t very impressive because he changed teams and roles. He isn’t known to be a scorer and is more of a defensive beast who dominates the boards and protects the rim. However, his size and length allow him to convert nearly 60% of his shots near the basket.

Personal life and partner(s)

Walker Kessler is quite open about his relationship on social media and is dating his longtime girlfriend Maggie Hellgeth. They are reportedly together since high school but aren’t considering engagement or marriage as they are both young in their careers.

Projected 2022 NBA Draft rank

Walker Kessler is expected to be a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, with many scouts predicting that he might get selected somewhere between 36th overall and 40th overall.

Style of play

Walker Kessler is a premier shot-blocker and defender who doesn’t have much offensive game other than near the rim. He can finish in the paint but lacks a jump shot and many scouts compare him to Jakob Poeltl and Jarrett Allen.