Which Country does Walker Kessler play for?

Sport is one sort of profession where individuals get a chance to make their country proud at the international stage. So talented stars who get a chance to represent their country find themselves fighting for a place in the national team. But some gifted stars get their chances early in their playing career. Such is the case of a new hot prospect in the NBA – Walker Kessler.

The 22-years old star is a burgeoning talent in the world of basketball, has emerged as a player of significant promise both in domestic and international contexts. As fans and enthusiasts follow his journey, a pivotal question arises: Which country does Walker Kessler play for? We will go through his career, international affiliations, and the significance of his representation on the global basketball stage.

Walker Kessler playing for the United States in FIBA World Cup

While he is getting ready for the world stage, we will dive deeper into his capabilities as a player through his previous performances. The Georgia-born Walker Kessler's passion for basketball was evident from an early age. His tall stature and exceptional skills propelled him into the spotlight. He played for Woodward Academy in high school. Winning the state title in his senior year, he averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, along with an astonishing 5.2 blocks per game. He won many individual accolades in the process.

His journey eventually led him to the University of North Carolina, where he continued to make waves on the college basketball scene. As his reputation as a defensive centre grew, and also his chances to play in the biggest basketball league - NBA.

As a student-athlete, Kessler showcased his versatility, shot-blocking prowess, and ability to impact games on both ends of the court. After setting defensive records at the NC University, he later moved to Auburn University. He had a great triple-double performance of 16 points, a career-high 11 blocks and 10 rebounds against LSU. His contributions earned him acclaim within the collegiate basketball landscape, solidifying his position as a player to watch.

Walker Kessler’s NBA performances

After a stellar early career, Kessler was destined to play in the NBA, and the Memphis Grizzlies selected him as the 22nd overall pick. While he didn’t play for the Grizzlies due to Jaren Jackson Jr.’s impact on the young team. After an initial trade Kessler was again traded from Minnesota Timberwolves to the Utah Jazz in a mega deal involving movement of 3-time defensive player Rudy Gobert.

But the move to the rebuilding Jazz team profited youngster, as he got more game time showcasing his abilities on the defensive end. He even had 40 starts in the 74 games played averaging an impressive 9.2 points and 7.8 rebounds for the team. He also had an average of 2.3 blocks per game which is all time 10th highest for a rookie in the NBA.

As a talented athlete with a bright future, Walker Kessler's connection to the U.S. is a testament to the country's rich basketball tradition and his own commitment to excellence. While he has shown his abilities at the league level, he will be eager to play on the world stage, and the FIBA 2023 World Cup would be a massive opportunity for the youngster.

In presence of many playmakers and scorers Walker Kessler’s defensive plays would be handy for the US national team. He is expected to have a significant role in the star-studded and trophy laden US basketball team.