Big news in the world of college basketball recruiting broke late Sunday night, with the announcement that five-star center prospect Walker Kessler has committed to play at UNC–joining the Tar Heels’ class of 2020.

Kessler is a 7-foot, 245-pound big man with a versatile offensive game that is effective both inside and on the perimeter. He is currently a senior at Woodward Academy in Fairburn, Georgia.

Prior to announcing his decision to commit to UNC, it was widely expected that he would be taking his talents to head coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils.

He is currently ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the country regardless of position by 24/7 Sports, which gave him an 18 percent chance of joining the Tar Heels–compared to a 64 percent chance he would join the Blue Devils.

Following an official visit to UNC this past weekend, head coach Roy Williams was–to the surprise of many–able to convince the talented big man to end his recruitment.

Kessler is the second recruit to join the Tar Heels’ class of 2020, following in the footsteps of another five-star big man, Day’Ron Sharpe (No. 17 national ranking, South Central High School, Winterville, NC).

As a junior in high school last season, he posted averages of 21 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.4 blocks per game.

 

 

Photo via ESPN

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