With Duke men’s basketball season now in the rear-view mirror, the Blue Zone is here to review every player’s performance. We already looked at TJ Power, Sean Stewart, Jaylen Blakes, Ryan Young, Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell and Jared McCain. Next up is Kyle Filipowski:
Kyle Filipowski
Year: Sophomore
Height: 7-foot
Position: Center
This year’s stat line: 30.4 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.8 APG
The Blue Zone’s projected stats: 32 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.4 APG
Season breakdown: Following his ACC Rookie of the Year campaign, preseason All-American Kyle Filipowski began his sophomore year with the loftiest of expectations levied upon him. As the first scoring option on Duke’s squad, Filipowski’s offensive prowess was on full display. The Westtown, N.Y., native boasted improved efficiency on all levels, shooting at a 50.5% clip from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range. He also nearly doubled his assists-per-game average from his freshman year, a feat which exemplified his ability to pass out of the post. What’s more, after shifting positions from forward to center, Filipowski’s block totals doubled from last season, totalling 1.5 blocks per game. His offensive arsenal, coupled with improved defensive splits, earned the big man Consensus second-team All-American honors. This season solidified Filipowski’s status as an pro-ready stretch big, prompting the lottery hopeful to declare for this year’s NBA draft.
Filipowski, alongside fellow first-round prospect Jared McCain, was one of the Blue Devils’ top performers during their Elite Eight run. Despite only attempting one shot, Filipowski grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out several key assists to top Vermont in the Round of 64. His 14 points were overshadowed by McCain’s 30 against James Madison, but his 16 against Houston were vital in Duke’s upset of the Cougars. Unfortunately, however, Filipowski’s Blue Devil career came to an unceremonious end against conference rivals N.C. State. Even so, the towering center can look back on this year with fondness, having pieced together a great season and improving his NBA draft stock.
Results relative to expectations: Despite some inconsistencies, Duke fans would be hard-pressed to call Flip’s sophomore campaign a disappointment. The 7-footer improved on a stellar freshman campaign, raked in nationwide honors and was one of the major catalysts for a deep NCAA tournament run. Filipowski ended his Blue Devil career as a star, and now hopes to achieve big things at the next level.
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