Former UNC basketball player drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves

Former UNC basketball player Walker Kessler has been selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. 

Walker Kessler is officially ready to begin his NBA career.

Kessler, a former UNC basketball player, was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the N0. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Timberwolves, who traded their original pick (No. 19 overall) to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the No. 22 and No. 29 overall picks, used their first selection to take the 7-footer.

We all already know the story of Kessler’s college career. After spending his freshman season at North Carolina, Kessler decided that it was in his best interest to transfer to Auburn. The move paid dividends for him, as he showcased his talent and potential en route to being named the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year.

His defensive skillset will continue to be a major asset at the next level. Kessler displayed his ability to not only block shots but alter them as well, as he’ll provide a steady presence down low for the Timberwolves moving forward.

Along with his defensive ability, Kessler is no slouch offensively. He’ll provide Minnesota with some timely scoring, and has shown the ability to do some damage from outside the paint area.

Kessler will now also be teammates with former Duke Blue Devil Wendell Moore Jr., who the Timberwolves traded up to draft. This is the second new NBA pairing in which a former Tar Heel will now be teammates with a former Blue Devil.

There are some Tar Heels fans that still are bitter with Kessler’s decision to transfer, but I think at this point, we can say that the move seemed to work out for both sides.

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