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Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler invited to NBA Draft Combine in Chicago

Justin Hokansonby: Justin Hokanson05/11/22_JHokanson
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Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images.

AUBURN – To nobody’s surprise, Auburn basketball players Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler have received invites to the NBA Draft Combine next week in Chicago.

Smith and Kessler, both projected first-round picks, were among the 76 prospects invited to the combine, which will be held from May 18-22 at Wintrust Arena.

Jabari Smith, the National Freshman of the Year and consensus All-American, is widely projected to be drafted either first, second or third in the draft. Walker Kessler, the National Defensive Player of the Year and All-American, is widely projected to be drafted in the first round.

Here’s the full list of players heading to the combine.

Smith, the highest-rated signee in program history, averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game for the Tigers while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. Kessler, who transferred from North Carolina last summer, developed into an absolute force on both ends of the floor around the basket. He averaged 11.4 points on 60.8 percent shooting, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game for Auburn. He also led the nation and set a program single-season record with 155 blocked shots. His 4.6 blocks per game were tied for first nationally, while his block rate of 19.1 percent led all Division I players and was the best single-season mark by a player in 12+ seasons.

Smith was recently honored with the Most Outstanding Player award at Auburn’s postseason awards banquet. Kessler received the Iron Tiger award for physical development and devotion to the weight room, as well as the Most Improved Player award.

Allen Flanigan was one of 44 prospects invited to the G League Elite Camp in Chicago from May 16-17. Flanigan still has a chance to earn an invite to the combine based on his showing in the G League Elite Camp. Either way, Flanigan is expected to return to Auburn. Dylan Cardwell also entered his name into the draft for feedback, but is expected to return to Auburn next season.