Auburn’s Walker Kessler named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year

[autotag]Walker Kessler[/autotag] had a historic season defensively for Auburn and he received recognition for that Sunday. Auburn’s center was named the 2021-22 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in New Orleans Sunday, during a ceremony at the Final Four.

He is the first Auburn player to win the award and beat out Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, and Duke’s Mark Williams for the honor. He also won the NABC DPOY award earlier this week and was named the SEC DPOY earlier this season.

The former North Carolina Tar Heel thrived after joining Auburn last summer. He averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks and was named an All-American. His two triple-doubles were the second and third in Auburn history.

His 4.6 blocks per game were tied with Western Kentucky’s Jamarion Sharp for most among Division I players. Kessler had a 19.1% block rate, meaning he clocked nearly one in every five shot attempts when he was on the court.

Kessler’s historic season could be his only one at Auburn as he is now deciding between entering the NBA draft or returning to Auburn for his junior season. Underclassmen have until April 24 to enter the draft process.

Congrats to Walker Kessler on earning @NaismithTrophy Defensive Player of the Year! 👏

The @AuburnMBB big man was a force in the paint 💪 pic.twitter.com/KqOiCSf2M2

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 3, 2022

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