3. Walker Kessler – North Carolina / Auburn
That 7’1 big man from Newman really stood out, and it’s not surprising that Kessler had himself quite the collegiate career. The former five-star prospect was one of the best centers in the nation when he committed to North Carolina, spending his freshman season with the Tar Heels. Kessler then spent his sophomore year playing a starring role at Auburn.
He showed glimpses of potential with the Tar Heels but was a bench piece that didn’t play much of a role, starring late in the season with a 20-point performance against Florida State. After transferring to Auburn, he really broke out, playing a major role for the Tigers and starring from day one. Among his finest performances as a sophomore were a pair of triple-doubles, including a 16-point, 11-block, 10-rebound outing in a win over LSU.
Not only was Kessler named to the All-SEC First Team, but he was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the entire nation in blocks with 155. He was one of the league’s best rebounders, led the conference in 2-point field goal percentage, and formed a lethal combination with fellow forward Jabari Smith. Kessler skipped the rest of his collegiate career and was recently drafted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies; he’ll suit up for the Utah Jazz next season.