Duke Basketball: A look into the Blue Devils potential 2020 recruiting class
By Zach De Jong
5. Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler is a 6-foot-10, five-star center who ranks No. 16 overall and No. 3 in his position in the 2020 class. Kessler took visits to Vanderbilt and Michigan in the fall of 2018, and plans to take a visit to Virginia on Jan. 4. The Blue Devils offered Kessler a scholarship on Dec. 31, 2018.
Evan Daniels from 247Sports got a look at Kessler during NXT LVL Hoops Fest in Nashville and described Kessler’s game as, “Kessler is a gifted offensive weapon, blessed with terrific hands and deft touch around the basket. Kessler scored with his back to the rim and showed good footwork. He has good feel in the post and is a good passer out it. He also stepped out to the mid-post and the three-point stripe and shot the ball with confidence.”
Kessler would be a valuable weapon for the Blue Devils if they were able to convince him to bring his talents to Durham. He is a five-star with a tremendous amount of potential on both sides of the ball. Kessler’s game compares to that of former Blue Devils Christian Laettner and Ryan Kelly, because of his size and ability to step away from the post and knock down the jumper.
The Georgia Bulldogs are considered the favorites on the 247Sports crystal ball. Kessler has three family members who played for the Bulldogs which gives them an edge early in recruiting versus the Blue Devils. The Bulldogs lead predictions with an 83% chance, and the Blue Devils following with a 17% chance to land the five-star center.
Kessler also noted when talking to Daniels from 247Sports that he hoped to make his college decision before the start of his senior season. This would put a potential decision in the time frame of next October or November.