Walker Kessler sends Auburn fans a message after return
Walker Kessler just wrapped up a very impactful rookie season in the NBA. Now, with his first campaign as a pro done, he is back at his alma mater to work out in Auburn’s facilities.
The Tigers shared a tweet last night featuring pictures of Kessler working out down in their practice gym. The post also included a video of the former Tiger big man saying hello and showing love to everyone for welcoming him back to The Plains.
“What’s up Auburn family? Walker Kessler here!,” he said. “Back in working with all my guys, man. Happy to be back, happy to be back on The Plains. It’s home for me and I can’t ask for a better place. War Eagle!”
One could argue that Bruce Pearl and the Tigers completely changed the trajectory of Kessler’s career. In his lone season at North Carolina, he didn’t start a game. That led his averages to only finish at 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and less than a block in under 10 minutes of action.
Then, after transferring to Auburn, he exploded as a full-time starter. Kessler averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and led the nation in blocks with 155 (4.6 per game). That won him honors in the SEC and at the national level as the Defensive Player of the Year.
After ending up with the Utah Jazz following the 2022 NBA Draft, Kessler has already become a productive professional. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during his 74 games that featured 40 starts. His defense carried over too as he finished fourth in total blocks (173) and blocks per game (2.3). He also shot an incredible mark of 72% from the field. That percentage would have led the NBA had he met the qualifications.
It’s always good to go back to where it all started and, with his rookie campaign over, that’s exactly what Kessler is up to at the moment. He’s more than welcome too considering he is ending up as one of the most successful players from Pearl’s tenure at Auburn.