S Up With Walker Kessler Auburn Basketball Player Struggling ...
When Walker Kessler, a highly rated basketball prospect, joined the Auburn Tigers in April 2021, many Auburn fans were excited about the prospect of Kessler dominating the court. At the time, analysts predicted Kessler to be one of the top players in the country, with a bright future ahead of him.
However, things haven't been going according to plan for Kessler since he joined the team. The young player has been struggling on the court, failing to live up to the high expectations that were set for him. So, what's going on with Walker Kessler? Let's take a closer look.
Background
Walker Kessler grew up in Newnan, Georgia, where he attended Woodward Academy. During his time there, he was one of the top basketball prospects in the country, attracting attention from numerous college recruiters. He ultimately chose to join the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, one of the top college basketball programs in the country.
During his freshman season with UNC, Kessler showed flashes of greatness, but he struggled to find consistent playing time. He averaged just 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, playing only 8.8 minutes per game. Despite this, Kessler remained optimistic about his basketball career and was determined to prove himself.
Joining Auburn
After his freshman season with UNC, Kessler surprised many by announcing that he was entering the transfer portal. His decision shocked UNC fans and coaches, who had high hopes for him in his sophomore season. However, Kessler felt that he needed a new challenge and decided to join the Auburn Tigers.
When Kessler joined Auburn, he was immediately hailed as one of the top transfers in the country. He was expected to shore up Auburn's frontcourt and provide a much-needed scoring punch. Many fans and analysts predicted that Kessler would be a star at Auburn and would lead the Tigers to a successful season.
The Struggle
Unfortunately for Kessler and Auburn fans, things haven't gone according to plan. Kessler has struggled to find his footing on the team, failing to replicate the success he had at Woodward Academy and UNC.
So far this season, Kessler has played in 19 games and has started in 6 of them. He's averaging just 3.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, playing only 15.8 minutes per game. His shooting percentage is also down compared to his freshman season at UNC, as he's shooting just 41.4% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc.
The Reason Behind the Struggles
So, what's causing Kessler's struggles? There are several factors that could be contributing to his lack of success. One possible reason is his adjustment to Auburn's system. Kessler played in a different system at UNC, and it can take time for a player to adjust to a new system and playing style.
Another reason could be the pressure and expectations placed on him. Kessler was a highly rated prospect, and there's a lot of pressure on him to perform at a high level. This pressure, combined with the high expectations from fans and analysts, could be affecting his confidence and on-court performance.
Lastly, it's possible that Kessler is simply going through a sophomore slump. Many players struggle in their second year of college basketball, as they adjust to the increased competition and pressure. Kessler may simply need more time to find his footing and get comfortable with his role on the team.
The Future
Despite his struggles, Auburn fans shouldn't give up hope on Kessler just yet. The young player has shown flashes of his potential, and there's still plenty of time for him to find his footing and contribute to the team's success.
Head Coach Bruce Pearl has expressed confidence in Kessler and his ability to contribute to the team. According to Pearl, Kessler's struggles are just a temporary setback, and he has the potential to develop into one of Auburn's top players.
As for Kessler himself, he remains optimistic about his future with the Tigers. In a recent interview, he expressed his commitment to working hard and improving his game, stating that he's determined to help the team in any way possible.
The Takeaway
Walker Kessler's struggles on the court may be disappointing for Auburn fans, but it's important to remember that he's still a young player with a lot of potential. With time and patience, Kessler could develop into one of the top players in the country and help lead Auburn to success on the court.