Bruce Pearl discusses special relationship between Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler

Auburn secured the regular-season SEC title Saturday, rolling to an 82-71 win over South Carolina at home.

In that contest, Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler shined once again. Smith led Auburn with 21 points and added 6 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block to his tally. Kessler finished with 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks in the win.

The Smith-Kessler duo is one that has been vital for the Tigers all season long. Smith has led the way in scoring while averaging 16.9 points to go with 6.9 rebounds while shooting 44% from the floor (43% from 3-point range).

Kessler, the 7-foot-1 transfer out of UNC, has averaged 11.6 points per game. He has also led the Tigers with 8.2 rebounds and a massive 4.6 blocks per game.

After Auburn clinched the title, head coach Bruce Pearl discussed the special relationship between the star players. According to Pearl, the duo had “great respect for each other.” He also said the two players tried to put the other first consistently.

Bruce Pearl on Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith, their one season together here: “They had great respect for each other. They both thought more of the other than they thought of themselves.”

— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) March 5, 2022

Pearl also shared his message to Smith during his recruitment. Smith was Auburn’s lone high school signee during the class of 2021, but Pearl also added Kessler, Wendell Green, Zep Jasper and K.D. Johnson via transfer.

Auburn HC Bruce Pearl said he told PF Jabari Smith “I promise you we’re gonna get enough dudes to win a championship.”

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) March 5, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.