Miss Alabama Abbie Stockard was crowned Miss America on Monday night, sending her boyfriend – Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler – into frantic celebrations.
Kessler, a 2023 First-team All-Rookie selection, has emerged as one of the best young centers in the league despite playing for a poor 9-25 Utah team. His strong play has attracted many potential trade suitors, including the Los Angeles Lakers, amid a breakout campaign. Stockard’s win will surely come as a welcome relief for the 23-year-old.
Stockard, a 22-year-old nursing student, meant Kessler while she was a cheerleader for the Auburn basketball team he starred for. The win earns her a $50,000 scholarship. “This is insane. I don’t know what I did to deserve this. I’m so excited and grateful,” she said of her win.
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Kessler took to Instagram to celebrate his partner. “Congratulations Abbie! I am so proud of you and everything you stand for. Your hard work and trust in the Lord have awarded you this incredible opportunity!”
Stockard commented glowingly on his post: “Walker, I love you! [Your] showing up last night meant the world to me. I’m so thankful for this life journey we get to go on together.”
Kessler transferred to Auburn after one season with North Carolina and was an immediate hit with his new school. He was named the 2022 SEC Defensive Player of the Year in his lone year with the Tigers while earning Third-team All-American honors.
He ended up in Utah as part of the blockbuster summer 2022 trade, sending Ruby Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package all featuring four future first-round picks.
A subpar sophomore season saw Kessler come off the bench in spurts for a poor Jazz team. This campaign, he’s reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup.
The Utah big man is shooting 71 percent from the field in his 29.6 minutes per game, averaging 10.4 points and 11.3 rebounds a game (the seventh-best mark in the league).
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Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Lakers have noticed his growth and would consider trading for Kessler to pair him with star big man Anthony Davis.
The Lakers currently sit 20-15 and in a glut in the middle of a condensed Western Conference Playoff picture.
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