Walker Kessler named National Defensive Player of the Year

Walker Kessler was the best defender in college basketball.

While the season came to a close sooner than hoped, the Auburn Tigers had a great basketball season. The top reason for their success was the frontcourt pairing of [autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag] and [autotag]Jabari Smith[/autotag].

Smith, who was named the National Freshman of the Year, led the way offensively and Kessler anchored one of the best defenses in the country. They were also both names All-Americans, Smith to the second team and Kessler to the third team.

For his historic season protecting the rim, Kessler was named the National Defensive Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He was the first Auburn player to win the award.

Kessler, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game. His 155 blocks were the most in Division I and the most in Auburn history. He also had two triple-doubles.

Now Kessler will have to make a decision on if he wants to return to Auburn for his junior season or enter the NBA Draft. Kessler is a projected first-round pick.

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