Auburn sophomore Walker Kessler was named the Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Kessler’s honor is the first in school history. Earlier in March, Kessler was also voted to the NABC All-American third team.
The Georgia-native previously was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, finishing his season averaging 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Kessler blocked 155 balls on the season, which was the best in all of hoops and a single-season record for Auburn.
His two triple-double performances this season were the most nationally, along with the most games with 5-or-more blocked shots, with 15 such outings.
Kessler, along with freshman Jabari Smith, led Auburn to the SEC regular-season championship title, the school’s first No. 1 ranking and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
