Walker Kessler: 3 things to know about the Auburn men's basketball center

Walker Kessler made an immediate impact joining the Auburn men's basketball team for the 2021-22 season.

An early statement of that came when he recorded a triple-double against LSU in their Southeastern Conference opener against LSU on Dec. 29, 2021. Kessler scored 16 points with 11 blocked shots and 10 rebounds in Auburn's 70-55 win vs. LSU.

It was Auburn's first triple-double since 2012.

Here's some basic information about Walker Kessler:

• Height: 7 feet, 1 inch

• Weight: 245 pounds

• Age: 20 years old

• Birthday: July 26, 2001

• Hometown: Newnan, Georgia

• High school: Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia

• Previous college: University of North Carolina

• Parents: Chad and Andrea Kessler

Find out three more things to know about Auburn men's basketball center Walker Kessler.

Walker Kessler stats with UNC Tar Heels

Walker Kessler played his freshman season of college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2020-21.

He played in 29 games and averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds. He also had 25 blocked shots and 15 steals.

Kessler scored a season-high 20 points against Florida State on Feb. 27, 2021. He got a season-high 12 rebounds and eight blocked shots against Notre Dame on March 10, 2021.

Who is Walker Kessler's dad? Chad Kessler

Walker Kessler's dad is Chad Kessler, who played men's basketball for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1983-87.

During the 1986-87 season, Chad Kessler averaged 12 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, according to Sports Reference. The UGA Bulldogs went 18-12 overall and 10-8 in the SEC that season, and the season ended with a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Kansas State in overtime.

The Los Angeles Clippers selected Chad Kessler in the fifth round and 93rd overall during the 1987 NBA Draft.

Walker Kessler's brother, Houston Kessler, also played for Georgia men's basketball from 2013-17.

Is Walker Kessler related to Alec Kessler? They're nephew and uncle

Walker Kessler is the nephew of former Georgia Bulldogs and Miami Heat basketball player Alec Kessler.

Alec Kessler played at UGA from 1986-90, and he helped Georgia win the 1989-90 Southeastern Conference Championship. UGA finished that season 20-9 overall and 13-5 in the SEC. He averaged 21 points and 10.3 rebounds in the 1989-90 season.

The Houston Rockets took Alec Kessler 12th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft. The Rockets traded Kessler to the Miami Heat, and Kessler played for Miami from 1990-94.

Alec Kessler died Oct. 13, 2007, at 40 years old. He collapsed playing a pickup basketball game, according to The Associated Press.

Here's more Walker Kessler news:

• Walker Kessler: Auburn basketball's Walker Kessler named SEC Player of the Week after triple-double

• Walker Kessler transfer: North Carolina transfer Walker Kessler commits to Auburn basketball

• Alec Kessler: Rhea Kessler furthers husband’s legacy with scholarship, foundation

Check out the Walker Kessler bio on the Auburn men's basketball website.

Erik Hall is the lead digital producer for sports with the USA Today Network. You can find him on Twitter @HallErik.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Walker Kessler: 3 facts on the Auburn men's basketball center