The issue primary issue with Kessler was not playing time. The primary issue was how he was used and how he will be used going forward. Lack of playing time contributed, especially the performance of Brooks, which was far below expectations and that is probably a gross understatement.
This is what Roy told Kessler when he was being recruited:
“They showed a bunch of film of Luke Maye and said, 'This is literally how we are going to use you,'” Kessler said when he committed to UNC in September of 2019. “They said I was a bigger Luke Maye, 'this is how we want to use you.' Being a big that can shoot and stretch the floor was really appealing.”
And for those of you who say Kessler would transition to the Luke Maye role over time I say that is hogwash! If Roy Williams talked Jr/Sr year with a 7-foot All-American, he would have never signed with UNC in the first place.
Rumor has it that Kessler is considering Gonzaga. Would Kessler play behind Chet Holmgren at Gonzaga if he is used the way he want to be used, I'm thinking yes.
As pointed out above, Kessler deserved more minutes than Brooks the latter part of the season but Roy was too stubborn to make the adjustment. The Brooks fox trot annoyed me all season. Brooks performance based on expectations has to be the biggest flop in UNC history. For all of us who said Brooks would improve his NBA stock by coming back, we were wrong. If anything, it was the opposite.
On a positive note, if "my guess" is correct you can pencil in RJ, Harris and Walton as 3 of the starters next year which will be one of the best in the ACC. The Transfer Portal is going to be wild! I'm already hearing there are some guys that want to play for UNC. I'm cautiously optimistic! Roy can be very selective. Let's see how this thing shakes out! As Scarlett said in the greatest movie ever "Gone With The Wind"..."Tomorrow is another day"