Duke Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing early offers to 2020 prospects

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: The Duke Blue Devils mascot performs during the game against the North Dakota State Bison in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3 of 7

DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 26: Duke Blue Devils fans cheers. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Walker Kessler – Atlanta, GA

C | 6-foot-10 | 225 lbs | No. 16 overall

Walker Kessler is another big man that Duke is currently targeting. A strong all-around threat, he boasts a versatile game on both ends of the floor while standing at 6-foot-10. On the offensive end of the floor, he can command possessions with his ability to use a variety of post moves to score inside. In addition, though, he can be a strong floor spacer due to 3-point shooting prowess at his height. Defensively, he moves relatively well and has a high IQ that leads to blocked shots.

Through two contests (with box scores) for Game Elite on the Adidas circuit this season, Kessler has posted 19.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on 62.5% from the field and 4-for-7 shooting from three. Due to his varied set of skills at 6-foot-10, it is easy to see why several of the top programs in the country are interested in landing a commitment.

With regards to his recruitment, Crystal Ball predictions are leaning in the direction of Georgia but all of them were made prior to March. UGA head coach Tom Crean has been quite effective on the recruiting trail since taking over and Duke might have a tough time luring Kessler out of his home state. This is especially true when you consider that his father, uncle, and brother all played for the Bulldogs. Regardless, several other top programs are interested and…if Duke is involved…anything can happen.

Home/Duke Blue Devils