Georgia boy at heart, Tarheel on the court
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (BVM) — Walker Kessler has been tearing up boys basketball in the state of Georgia. The Woodward Academy star led the school to its first state championship this past season, and in turn was named the Gatorade Georgia Boys Basketball Player of the Year. However, upon his high school graduation, Kessler’s time as a Peach State baller will come to an end. He’ll be headed to the University of North Carolina to play for Roy Williams and the Tarheels.
Despite his father, uncle and brother all playing collegiately for the Georgia Bulldogs, Walker Kessler wanted to walk his own path. And rightfully so. Although he admits Georgia will always have a special place in his heart, he felt as though he was being called elsewhere. His success at the prep level had drawn interest from all of the top Division I programs across the country. With offers from schools like Duke, Michigan, Virginia and Gonzaga, the options were limitless for his future.
During his senior season, Kessler showed what all the hype was about. En route to a 30-2 record, the skilled 7-footer averaged 18 points, nine rebounds and five blocks per game. With his combination of size and finesse, the big man displayed elite-level versatility, very much compatible with today’s modern game.
ESPN has Kessler ranked as the 14th best prospect in the nation, and he was also awarded a McDonald’s All-American selection. His seemingly limitless potential will have the right coach to cultivate it in Roy Williams. Even though the Tarheels had their worst season since 2001-02, and one of their worst in program history, Kessler understands the privilege of playing with this program.
“It’s every kid’s dream to learn from one of the greatest, if not the greatest college basketball coach ever,” Kessler said. “There’s not a lot of words I can put towards it. I’m just excited and grateful for the opportunity.”
Kessler doesn’t care that UNC’s year went contrary to their typical success. The combination of injuries suffered and complications from COVID-19 all made the season unique. Next season, the Tarheels’ recruiting class features two other Gatorade Players of the Year besides Kessler. Caleb Love from Missouri and RJ Davis from New York will also be headed to Chapel Hill for 2020-21.
“I’m just going to work my tail off and be the best player I can be,” Kessler said. “I know that we are going to come in and get to work right away.”
With many scouting reports citing high praise for Kessler, expectations surrounding him will be high as well. Considering he’ll be playing for one of the most storied college programs ever, Tarheel fans will be anticipating big things from the 7-foot stretch center. But Walker doesn’t consider that pressure. He is his own biggest critic.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself, so I don’t really feel pressure from anybody else,” Kessler said. “I know what I need to do; get in the gym and get work done.”
Although this future at UNC is exciting and imminent, Kessler will never forget where he came from. He knows that without the people surrounding him throughout his prep career, none of this would have been possible. Starting with Woodward Academy head coach Anthony Thomas. Thomas coached Kessler from his sophomore year through his senior year, and together they capped Kessler’s time in high school with a state title.
“Coach Thomas is an unbelievable man and a great coach,” Kessler said. “I want to be sure to give him the credit he deserves because he’s done so much.”
He wanted to make sure to give credit to his trainers as well. A trio of trainers have been working with him for years, forming him into the player he is today. Rob Lawrence, Arlon Harper and Austin Ewing have been working on his body and game religiously. Ewing specifically, who has known Kessler since the fifth grade.
“He was a guard in college, he played overseas, he emphasized to me to get those versatile skills of stretching the floor and playing positionless basketball,” Kessler said. “He took me under his wing and we have a deep personal relationship.”
Above all else, the McDonald’s All-American just feels fortunate to have earned the accolades he has and celebrate them with his biggest supporters. Regardless of where his career goes from here, sitting back and enjoying all of his successes is something that needs to be done. It’s easier when you have a great inner circle.
“My dad, my mom, my brother and sister, my friends,” Kessler said. “I’m lucky to be blessed with the people who have been placed in my life.”
The next time Kessler takes to the hardwood, he’ll be a Tarheel. However, a little piece of him will always be Georgia.
