UNC Basketball: Walker Kessler named one of biggest impact transfers

The former UNC basketball standout is considered one of the biggest impact transfers in all of college basketball.

By now, we’re sure you all know the story of Walker Kessler.

Kessler began his collegiate career with the UNC basketball program, but his first year on campus didn’t go as planned.

For starters, the Newnan, Georgia native was forced to miss a few weeks prior to the start of the season due to COVID-19 protocols. This impacted his early playing time, as he missed out on some valuable experiences that could’ve earned him more early-season minutes.

Although he did have some bright moments, Kessler struggled to find a major role in the Tar Heels’ rotation. He averaged just 8.8 minutes per contest, as he was often overshadowed by the team’s ample depth down low.

After the season, Kessler decided to take advantage of the transfer portal to find a new home. Now that he’s more than halfway through his first season at Auburn, he’s being recognized as one of the most important transfers in all of college basketball.

Recently, Travis Branham of 247 Sports ranked college basketball’s most impactful transfers. Tar Heel fans may not want to see this, but Kessler was ranked third overall on the list.

Here’s what Branham had to say regarding Kessler:

"“Not only is Walker Kessler one of the most impactful transfers to hit the market but he has a strong case for being the most improved player in all of college basketball this season.The former five-star prospect had a rough start to his college career at North Carolina, averaging just 8.8 minutes a game but has found his footing with Bruce Pearl. He has complete revitalized his game showing improved toughness, physicality and adjusted the way he plays the game by protecting the rim and doing damage in the paint rather than trying to make jumpers.He’s one of the most efficient players in the SEC and is putting a lid on the rim for anyone who tries to take on the current top-ranked team in the country as he blocks a second-most 4.2 blocks a game.”"

Although many people felt that Kessler transferred to find a situation in which he could be used more as a stretch four, he’s really made his biggest impact in the paint this season. The former five-star recruit is averaging 11.4 points per game on 63.3 percent shooting, both of which are improvements from a season ago.

Kessler is also making a huge impact defensively, as he’s among the top shot blockers in the country. He’s provided Auburn with a strong defensive presence down low, something that could have definitely helped the Tar Heels this season.

Auburn has the talent to win a national championship this season, and Kessler will play a huge part in how far they ultimately go. Of course, there are some Tar Heel fans that are still bitter about his departure and don’t necessarily want to hear anything about him.

However, at this point, it’s time to chalk it up to the fact that he wasn’t happy with his situation in Chapel Hill. Luckily for him, he found a place that fit him better and has simply thrived with his expanded role in the Auburn basketball program.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Walker Kessler and the rest of the UNC basketball program.