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Walker, Kessler Ranger

FEATURING: Walker Kessler | Prelude: Center of Intention | Stephen's Storylines: NBA Early Entrants, Enter the Transfer Portal, & Players Ready to Report | Weekend Warrior: Shaedon Sharpe

Stephen Gillaspie
Apr 25, 2022
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Walker, Kessler Ranger
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The Center of Intention

The center position is often criticized in basketball. You have those that feel like it’s a dying breed of sorts. There is a belief that the position is one of the easiest to replace. The implementation of small ball, or “Death Lineups,” has cast an enormous shadow over the importance of investing in a big man. The Phoenix Suns—fresh off of a Finals appearance—decided to roll the dice by coming into Deandre Ayton’s last season under his rookie deal without offering him a contract extension. Despite playing a pivotal role in their success last season and the current one, James Jones and company elected to extend forward Mikal Bridges over their big man with the real chance that they move on from him in the offseason. The logic: it’s more difficult to find what Bridges does vice what a player like Ayton brings to a team.

Look. There may be a lot of evidence to support that take; however, it feels that this specific situation where moving on from a center could be the correct decision is carelessly applied to the position at large. What I mean by that is, maybe it’s okay—nay—maybe it’s more forward-thinking to invest in a big that can immediately contribute and address a team need. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Detroit Pistons are teams that could use an instant punch to their “Five” rotation. At the same time, a few other teams may need to shore up the position this offseason.

If that is the case, where are all of these teams going to get a significant contributor? The age-old saying is: “You can always add a center in free agency.” Can you? The upcoming class of centers includes the following players: Jusuf Nurkic, Deandre Ayton, Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac, Hassan Whiteside, Andre Drummond, Mitchell Robinson, and DeMarcus Cousins. Sound solid in theory. However, Nurkic is often injured, and the Blazers have Bird Rights on him. History has shown that the Blazers prioritize keeping their free agents. Deandre Ayton is a Restricted Free Agent and still may stay in Phoenix. Serge Ibaka will be 33 next season and barely plays on a good team. Ivica Zubac has a team option on his deal, so teams shouldn’t bank on his availability. Whiteside, Drummond, and Cousins have shown that they can contribute as rotational bigs. Robinson routinely misses playing time with injury and has yet to live up to his potential.

So, what can these teams do? Should they play free agency roulette and wait to see who’s available? The risk with that is that all of the previously-listed risks could result in a team signing a stop-gap big and trying their luck next season. There are no immediate or long-term implications if that happens. Drafting a center is also a risk. However, drafting a center allows a team to have a rotational player for several seasons (depending on what round they are selected) and gives teams long-term flexibility with Bird Right and Restricted Free Agency (both allow teams to go over the salary cap and can keep them on their roster longer). The dilemma (or benefit) with this draft class is the ambiguity that exists in the ranking of the center prospects.

The difficulty and consistency of ranking the big men in this class has been chronicled throughout this season. Our own Albert Ghim even wrote about it in January. Depending on what you look for in a big man, you can fantasize about Chet Holmgren, Jalen Duren, Mark Williams, Ismael Kamagate, and Christian Koloko. Yet, there is another name that has been in that mix all season long: Walker Kessler.



In the Eyes of a Ranger

“‘Cause the eyes of a ranger are upon you; any wrong you do, he’s gonna see.”

-Walker, Texas Ranger theme song

Being honest, the selection of the “Walker, Texas Ranger” theme was simply born out of having a catchy title, but the lyrics from this 90’s hit television show are more fitting to Walker Kessler’s game than one may initially realize. This is not to say that Kessler will develop into the Chuck Norris of basketball, but his game is intimidating to those thinking they can wreak havoc on his court.


The Case for Kessler

At Auburn, the Tigers were able to recruit Jabari Smith Jr.—a player that may be the top pick in the draft. They were also able to recruit Walker Kessler via the transfer portal. Kessler had an unassuming role for the North Carolina Tarheels, being a part of a rotation of bigs in which none were afforded the opportunity to cement their standing among the best in college basketball. Coach Bruce Pearl gave Walker a prominent role as an at-rim finisher, screener, and one of the most intimidating shot blockers that the NCAA D-I ranks have ever seen—and that’s not hyperbole.

Twitter avatar for @StephenGHoops
Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops
Walker Kessler: 👋Tied for highest Block Percentage since 2008 👐60th Percentile (or higher) in defending Isolations, Post-Ups, or the Roll Man
11:04 PM ∙ Apr 23, 2022

Despite there being some concerns regarding Kessler’s foot speed, he has shown his defensive awareness throughout the season. According to Barttorvik’s database—which dates back to 2008—Walker Kessler is tied for the highest block percentage of any college player ever. The names that follow aren’t exactly the best of company in evaluating the importance of this stat, with Larry Sanders being the only former first-round pick in the Top 25 (co-shares the block percentage record with Kessler) of Block Percentage leaders.

Per Synergy, Kessler ranks in the 69th percentile in defending Isolation plays, in the 67th Percentile in defending post-ups, and in the 63rd percentile in defending the pick-and-roll man. His defensive analytics also support what the film shows, in that Walker has solid recoverability when opponents attack the rim. Kessler’s ability to flip his hips and turn over his should to relocate the ball handler may be one of his best traits, albeit it is not a “sexy” topic of conversation. The numbers, again, correlate with the film. Whether he’s recovering from the post or helping off his man to negate drive to the hoop, his unique ability to see the floor and his man, the length he possesses (a reported 7’5” wingspan), and his footwork make him a highly desirable rim-protecting prospect for his class.

His metrics and measurables don’t stop on the defensive side of the ball. On the offensive side of things, Kessler just so happens to be one of the best finishers for his position.

Twitter avatar for @StephenGHoops
Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops
Walker Kessler: ⭐️7th in the Nation in total dunks [79] (Ranks behind only Mark Williams and Christian Koloko among the top Center prospects) ⭐️Converted on 97.5% of his dunk attempts (Ranked only behind Chet Holmgren [100%] in that same group) 💸95th Percentile in Transition
11:12 PM ∙ Apr 23, 2022

While being a historical collegiate shot-blocker, Walker finished the season with 79 dunks (7th in the nation; behind draft prospects Mark Williams [96] and Christian Koloko [84]) and on 97.5% of his dunk attempts (behind prospects Chet Holmgren [100% on 57 attempts]). While being an excellent finisher on his dunk attempts, Kessler finished in the 95th percentile in transition, in the 89th percentile in cutting, and in the 79th percentile while operating as the pick-and-roll man. When rolling to the basket, he finished in the 99th percentile. Given his film, along with his rankings among these major offensive categories, Kessler profiles as being more than simply being a stationary, plodding center.

Twitter avatar for @StephenGHoops
Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops
Walker Kessler: ✂️Rated within the 89th Percentile while Cutting 🛞 Rated in the 79th Percentile operating as the Roll Man
11:15 PM ∙ Apr 23, 2022

On top of his qualifications that serve as minimum requirements for being an NBA big man, Kessler has shown the desire to improve as a stretch big. His percentiles aren’t sexy; Walker shot 20% from deep on 50 total attempts, and was a 59.6% free throw shooter. His shooting motion is reminiscent of a trebuchet launching a pumpkin, but the fact that Kessler has shown the confidence and desire to become a reliable option from deep indicates that he’ll work on improving that aspect of his game. Teams will want to experiment in improving his jumper as well.

Twitter avatar for @StephenGHoops
Stephen Gillaspie @StephenGHoops
Walker Kessler: 3⃣ Shot only 20% on his 50 Three Point Attempts 🎁 59.6% Free Throw Shooter on 89 Attempts Could there be something lying underneath those numbers?
11:19 PM ∙ Apr 23, 2022

“When you’re in” the paint “look behind you; ‘Cause that’s where the ranger’s gonna be.”

-Walker, Texas Ranger theme song (with minor adjustments).


Stephen’s Storylines

Early NBA Draft Entrants:

As we continue to march towards the draft, we are seeing more and more prospects declare for the NBA Draft. We’ll continue to provide the players that have declared, starting with the ones that have declared since the last Sunday’s issuance of “The Weekend Warrior” article. There will be a line of demarcation between the ones that were named last week. Here they are:

  1. Ochai Agbaji | Kansas | Wing | Senior

  2. Mouhamed Gueye | Washington State | Big | Freshman

  3. Gui Santos | Minas | Wing

  4. Jalen Wilson | Kansas | Forward | Sophomore

  5. Johnny Juzang | UCLA | Wing | Junior

  6. Ismael Kamagate | Paris Basket | Big

  7. Leonardo Okeke | Junior Casale | Big

  8. Kris Murray | Iowa | Forward | Sophomore

  9. Kofi Cockburn | Illinois | Big | Junior

  10. Gabriele Procida | Fortitudo | Wing

  11. Wendell Moore Jr. | Duke | Perimeter | Junior

  12. Hyunjung Lee | Davidson | Wing | Junior

  13. Dalen Terry | Arizona | Perimeter | Sophomore

  14. Mark Williams | Duke | Big | Sophomore

  15. Paolo Banchero | Duke | Forward | Freshman

  16. Ziga Samar | Fuenlabrada | Guard

  17. Shaedon Sharpe | Kentucky | Wing | Freshman

  18. Hugo Besson | New Zealand | Guard

  19. Ousmane Dieng | New Zealand | Wing

  20. Fedor Zugic | ULM | Wing

  21. Scotty Pippen Jr. | Vanderbilt | Guard | Junior

  22. Matteo Spagnolo | Vanoli Cremona | Guard

  23. Chet Holmgren | Gonzaga | Big | Freshman

  24. Jalen Duren | Memphis | Big | Freshman

  25. Julian Strawther | Gonzaga | Forward | Sophomore

  26. Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Milwaukee | Forward | Freshman

  27. Christian Koloko | Arizona | Big | Junior

  28. Alondes Williams | Wake Forest | Perimeter | Senior

    *Names from Last Week*

  29. Dyson Daniels | Ignite | Perimeter

  30. Justin Lewis | Marquette | Forward | Sophomore

  31. Jeremy Sochan | Baylor | Forward | Freshman

  32. JD Davison | Alabama | Guard | Freshman

  33. Bennedict Mathurin | Arizona | Wing | Sophomore

  34. Malcolm Cazalon | Mega Basket | Perimeter

  35. Nikola Jovic | Mega Basket | Forward

  36. Terquavion Smith | North Carolina State | Guard | Freshman

  37. Ryan Rollins | Toledo | Guard | Freshman

  38. Peyton Watson | UCLA | Forward | Freshman

  39. Isaiah Mobley | USC | Forward | Junior

  40. Efe Abogidi | Washington State | Big | Sophomore

  41. Trayce Jackson-Davis | Indiana | Big | Junior

  42. Jaylin Williams | Arkansas | Big | Sophomore

  43. Jabari Smith Jr. | Auburn | Forward | Freshman

  44. Walker Kessler | Auburn | Big | Sophomore

  45. Kennedy Chandler | Tennessee | Guard | Freshman

  46. TyTy Washington Jr. | Kentucky | Guard | Freshman

  47. Isiaih Mosley | Missouri State | Guard | Junior

  48. Tyler Burton | Richmond | Wing | Junior

  49. David Roddy | Colorado State | Forward | Junior

  50. Drew Timme | Gonzaga | Big | Junior

  51. Marcus Sasser | Houston | Guard | Junior

  52. Keion Brooks Jr. | Kentucky | Wing | Junior

  53. Nijel Pack | Kansas State | Guard | Sophomore

  54. Kenneth Lofton Jr. | Louisiana Tech | Big | Sophomore

  55. Tari Eason | LSU | Forward | Sophomore

  56. Josh Minott | Memphis | Forward | Freshman

  57. Iverson Molinar | Mississippi State | Guard | Junior

  58. Bryce McGowens | Nebraska | Wing | Freshman

  59. Blake Wesley | Notre Dame | Guard | Freshman

  60. EJ Liddell | Ohio State | Big | Junior

  61. Jordan Hall | Saint Joseph’s | Perimeter | Sophomore

  62. Baylor Scheierman | South Dakota State | Wing | Junior

  63. Kevin McCullar | Texas Tech | Perimeter | Junior

  64. Kendall Brown | Baylor | Forward | Freshman

  65. Jabari Walker | Colorado | Forward | Sophomore

  66. Keegan Murray | Iowa | Forward | Sophomore

  67. Jake LaRavia | Wake Forest | Wing | Junior

  68. Mike Miles Jr. | TCU | Guard | Sophomore

  69. Harrison Ingram | Stanford | Forward | Freshman

  70. Aminu Mohammed | Georgetown | Guard | Freshman

  71. Jalen Williams | Santa Clara | Wing | Junior

  72. Jaden Ivey | Purdue | Guard | Sophomore

  73. Jonathan Davis | Wisconsin | Guard | Sophomore

  74. Max Christie | Michigan State | Guard | Freshman

  75. Malaki Branham | Ohio State | Guard | Freshman

  76. Dereon Seabron | North Carolina State | Perimeter | Sophomore

  77. Julian Champagnie | St. John’s | Wing | Junior



Enter the Transfer Portal:

Like the players who are continuing to declare for the Draft, there have been more prospects looking to potentially play for another school. We’ll separate the players who have declared since last Sunday from the players listed last week. Here they are (BOLDED players have transferred to another team):

  1. Yuri Collins | St. Louis | Guard | Sophomore

  2. Tyrese Hunter | Iowa State | Guard | Freshman

  3. Shakeel Moore | Mississippi State | Guard | Sophomore

  4. Keonte Kennedy | UTEP | Guard | Sophomore

  5. David Jones | DePaul | Forward | Sophomore

  6. Tre Mitchell | Texas | Big | Junior

  7. AJ Green | Northern Iowa | Guard | Junior

  8. Ricky Council IV | Wichita State | Perimeter | Freshman

  9. Jarron Coleman | Missouri | Guard | Junior

    *Names from Last Week*

  10. Emoni Bates | Memphis | Wing | Freshman

  11. DJ Jeffries | Mississippi State | Forward | Junior

  12. Grant Sherfield | Nevada | Guard | Junior

  13. Devonaire Doutrive | Boise State | Guard | Grad Transfer

  14. Antoine Davis | Detroit Mercy | Guard | Senior

  15. Kendric Davis | SMU | Guard | Senior

  16. Jordan Nesbitt | St. Louis | Wing | Freshman

  17. Akok Akok | UConn | Forward | Junior

  18. Dawson Garcia | UNC | Forward | Sophomore

  19. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield | Tennessee | Big | Sophomore

  20. Emmanuel Akot | Boise State | Wing | Grad Transfer

  21. Adam Miller | LSU | Guard | Sophomore

  22. Eric Gaines | LSU | Guard | Sophomore

  23. Jahmir Young | Charlotte | Guard | Junior

  24. KJ Williams | Murray State | Big | Junior

  25. Bennett Vander Plas | Ohio | Forward | Grad Transfer

  26. Landers Nolley II | Memphis | Forward | Junior

  27. Noah Williams | Washington State | Guard | Junior

  28. Dre Davis | Louisville | Perimeter | Sophomore

  29. Doug Edert | St. Peter’s | Guard | Junior

  30. Matthew Lee | St. Peter’s | Guard | Junior

  31. Daryl Banks III | St. Peter’s | Guard | Junior

  32. Kenneth Lofton Jr. | Louisiana Tech | Big | Sophomore

  33. Jalen Bridges | West Virginia | Forward | Sophomore (R.S)

  34. Jaiden Delaire | Stanford | Forward | Grad Transfer

  35. Joseph Bamisile | George Washington | Guard | Sophomore

  36. Fardaws Aimaq | Utah Valley | Big | Junior (R.S)

  37. Will Richard | Belmont | Guard | Freshman

  38. Trevon Brazile | Missouri | Forward | Freshman

  39. Brandon Murray | LSU | Guard | Freshman

  40. Xavier Pinson | LSU | Guard | Grad Transfer

  41. Terrence Shannon Jr. | Texas Tech | Wing | Junior

  42. Samuell Williamson | Louisville | Wing | Junior

  43. Andre Curbelo | Illinois | Guard | Sophomore

  44. Nelly Cummings | Colgate | Guard | Grad Transfer

  45. Manny Bates | North Carolina State | Big | Junior

  46. Earl Timberlake | Memphis | Guard | Sophomore

  47. Nijel Pack | Kansas State | Guard | Sophomore

  48. Mark Sears | Ohio | Guard | Sophomore

  49. Efton Reid | LSU | Big | Freshman

  50. Courtney Ramey | Texas | Guard | Graduate

  51. Alex Fudge | LSU | Wing | Freshman

Ready to Report:

As the days have passed over the past week, many of the players who declared for the transfer portal have committed to play for new universities. Let’s take a look at who will be sporting new colors:

  1. Yuri Collins: Withdrew from the portal; will return to Saint Louis

  2. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield: From Tennessee to Louisville

  3. Daryl Banks III: From St. Peter’s to St. Bonaventure

  4. Kendric Davis: From SMU to Memphis

  5. Bennett Vander Plas: From Ohio to Virginia

  6. Nijel Pack: From Kansas State to Miami

  7. Dawson Garcia: From North Carolina to Minnesota

  8. Jalen Bridges: From West Virginia to Baylor

  9. Terrence Shannon Jr.: From Texas Tech to Michigan

  10. Earl Timberlake: From Memphis to Bryant University

  11. Andre Curbelo: From Illinois to St. John’s

  12. Doug Edert: From Saint Peter’s to Bryant University

  13. Will Richard: From Belmont to Florida

  14. Eric Gaines: From LSU to UAB

  15. Trevon Brazile: From Missouri to Arkansas

  16. Nelly Cummings: From Colgate to Pittsburgh

  17. Mark Sears: From Ohio to Alabama

  18. Alex Fudge: From LSU to Florida

  19. Samuell Williamson: From Louisville to SMU

  20. Brandon Murray: From LSU to Georgetown

  21. Joseph Bamisile: From George Washington to Oklahoma

  22. Noah Williams: From Washington State to Washington


Warrior of the Week: Shaedon Sharpe

What a strange week it has been in the “will he, won’t he” storyline that has hung over the head of Kentucky commit Shaedon Sharpe. We’ve gone through the reports early in the season that Sharpe would have to essentially request an application to be considered for the NBA following his season at Lexington, should he opt to go pro. Those reports were shortly followed by Kentucky coach John Calipari stating that the plan with Shaedon had been for him to return for another season—and that seemingly always had been the plan. We would eventually get more publicity on Shaedon being seen more with the team; Sharpe has been seen in layup lines performing dunks, wearing warmup gear, practicing with the team, etc. The approach in interpreting what would be best for him by the draft community has been as far apart as anything that takes place within it.

In mid-January, Sam Vecenie and Kyle Tucker of The Athletic detailed the stipulations that would need to be met in order for Sharpe and his camp so that Sharpe could successfully declare for the NBA Draft.

“How would Sharpe be eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft? There is a two-pronged criteria test for NBA Draft eligibility for college players. The first is age. Sharpe turns 19 on May 30, 2022, which fulfills the stipulation that the player must turn 19 in the calendar year of the draft.”

“The other prong Sharpe needs to fulfill is that “at least one NBA season has elapsed since the player’s graduation from high school.” In unique situations like this one, the NBA typically does not rule on academic transcripts until the player actually applies for the draft, and thus no official determination has been made by the league. Until the NBA league office reviews that information and clears it, it’s not an absolute certainty that Sharpe is eligible.”

- Sam Vecenie and Kyle Tucker of The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/3083411/2022/01/20/whats-next-for-kentucky-shaedon-sharpe-with-nba-draft-decision-looming/

Vecenie and Tucker went on to mention that these details were not catching anyone off guard. Again, this was nearly three months ago. The approval from the NBA league office on the conditions of Shaedon Sharpe’s graduation date is what’s next in the process of him going pro.

Twitter avatar for @ShaedonSharpe
Shaedon Sharpe @ShaedonSharpe
Image
5:41 PM ∙ Apr 21, 2022
3,578Likes319Retweets

Along with this tweet from Sharpe, there has been no shortage of film to suggest that he is putting in the work to make a serious run at the NBA.

Twitter avatar for @ShaedonSharpe
Shaedon Sharpe @ShaedonSharpe
🏝
12:21 AM ∙ Apr 20, 2022
2,687Likes168Retweets

While it seems like the intent is to go pro, the matter of whether the league will accept Sharpe’s eligibility due to being one year removed from high school is looming. As you might have seen in the Tweet above, Sharpe will maintain his collegiate eligibility. Will he return to Kentucky? He has reportedly registered for summer and fall classes. Time will tell if it’s a legitimate option for him to return or merely a formality. The previously-mentioned Kyle Tucker wrote another article on April 21st, chronicling the “circus” that has been the Shaedon Sharpe experience at Kentucky.

Tucker includes a ton of information that is worth checking out, and the inference one might take away from this piece is that Sharpe’s time in a Kentucky uniform is likely over—should the NBA allow him to be drafted or not. Should the “not” occur…it’s simply too much to speculate without adequate information to go on. Until the NBA has reached a decision, the draft community is essentially left to where it was in the first place: waiting.

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user
Apr 25, 2022

Good stuff! Just a heads up, Mike Miles is returning to TCU: https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1513658578531463168

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