Ahead of the Auburn Tigers matchup on Saturday against Texas A&M, we have an update to the Naismith Trophy watch list. The midseason team features two Tigers with Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith.
Kessler is coming off a huge performance in the overtime loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks. He poured in 16 points and cleaned the glass with 19 boards.
This season the former North Carolina transfer has averaged 11.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 4.3 blocks per game for the Tigers. After not starting a single game for the Tar Heels, Kessler has started every game for Bruce Pearl. As a freshman, he saw just 8.8 minutes per game while now seeing 25.3 on a per night basis.
His per 40-minute numbers paint just how impactful he has been. Averaging 18.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.9 blocks.
Kessler’s teammate Jabari Smith is also having a huge season for the Tigers. Much like his front-court running mate, Smith has started all 24 games for Auburn. In 27.8 minutes per game, Smith adds 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and one block.
His per 40-minute numbers are impressive as well. Smith has 22.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. They are both huge additions to the 2021-22 team that is currently 22-2 and No. 1 in the AP poll.
🚨 Announcing the @jerseymikes Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Midseason Team!🚨
Full list here: https://t.co/Nz6GPk9sqw pic.twitter.com/lRi8aBbEVf
— The Naismith Trophy (@NaismithTrophy) February 10, 2022
Auburn looks to get back into the win column on Saturday when they host the Aggies. College Gameday will be in town to get everyone prepared for the matchup. Texas A&M is coming off their loss to LSU last time out on their home floor.
This will be the first of the final four games at Auburn Arena. The school will have a renaming ceremony on Mar. 5 against South Carolina. From that point on it will be known as Neville Arena.