By, Mark Krings
Our next commit is important to the Tar Heels for more reasons than what he brings to the court. Post NCAA allegations, this player’s official visit led to a same weekend commitment. The commitment signified the start of Chapel Hill again being a place of interest for top talent kids. It also reaffirmed the recruiting ability of Hall of Fame Coach Roy Williams and marked a head-to-head recruiting victory over Duke, the first in a long time, if my memory serves right, all the way back to the 2010 recruitment of Harrison Barnes. The commitment lightened the sting of losing Brandon Ingram and Harry Giles, or at least put them further in the rear view mirror.
The fourth commit breakdown is Walker Kessler. Kessler is a 7-foot, 245 pound center from Fairburn Georgia. He is a five star and 247Sports 19th rated prospect. As a senior at Woodward Academy, Kessler averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game.
What He Brings to This Class
Kessler’s biggest strength is his offensive presence. He has good touch around the basket and is an all around good shooter.
He can efficiently shoot mid range jumpers and shot 35% from three his sophomore through senior years of high school.
Given his size, Kessler brings the natural ability to block shots and rebound.
For as tall and lengthy as he is, Kessler is a good passer, can handle the ball, and runs the floor well.
Former Tar Heels Comparisons
- Tyler Zeller
- Although considerably taller, Kessler’s style of play is very close to that of Luke Maye.
Bottom Line
Contrary to most bigs that play at UNC, Roy Williams referred to Kessler as the best shooting big man in the country. Kessler gives Carolina a post player who can stretch the floor by hitting outside shots. As a freshman, Kessler will have the opportunity to compete for minutes on a front court that looks to be with the best in all of college basketball. Kessler has the ability to play the five, but the bulk of his minutes will come at the four, backing up heralded senior big man Garrison Brooks. Kessler comes to Chapel Hill as a McDonald’s All-American, a Jordan Brand Classic nominee, and Gatorade’s Mr. Basketball for the State of Georgia.
Up Next: Day’Ron Sharpe