The NCAA Basketball transfer portal continues to add players on a daily basis. It’s a variety of different college backgrounds, including those are mid-major players who were stars at their former spots, along with many looking for more playing time at their new respective homes. Then there’s Walker Kessler, who doesn’t really fit neither of those main categories.
A former five-star prospect out of Newnan, Georgia, Kessler is a 7’1 and nearly 250-pound center with plenty of talent of potential. However, we weren’t able to see much of it in the first half of the season. Part of a clear logjam in the frontcourt behind Garrison Brooks, Armando Bacot, and fellow five-star freshman Day’Ron Sharpe.
Kessler was buried on the bench, playing more than nine minutes twice in the first 18 games. He did get more playing time due to injuries and the results came immediately, producing four straight games in double figures. One including going for 20 points on 9/10 shooting in a huge win over Florida State and its big frontcourt.
The freshman’s best performance came later on in a win over Notre Dame, where Kessler had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and eight blocks. In limited playing time, the center proved that he has tremendous talent. But sadly for the Tar Heels, Kessler has made the decision to go elsewhere.
Now officially in the portal, Kessler will have 300+ options if he wanted to. Of course, there only will be about a dozen at most that would make any sense. Here’s a look at eight I think will be in play for his services.