Auburn Forward, Defensive POY Walker Kessler Declares For 2022 NBA Draft

Auburn big man Walker Kessler—the top shot blocker in college basketball this season—has declared his intention to enter the 2022 NBA Draft.

The 7'1" sophomore made the announcement in a statement to ESPN on Sunday before confirming his decision on social media. Earlier in the day, Kessler was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year after recording a nation-leading 155 blocks this season.

“I want to thank all my family and friends for their consistent love and support that has provided me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Auburn University accepted me with open arms and made me feel like I was ‘home,’” Kessler wrote before thanking coach Bruce Pearl, his teammates and the Tigers’s…