Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Projected top-20 pick Kyle Filipowksi announces return to Duke
By SAM LANCE
Duke’s leading scorer and rebounder from last year’s team — and projected top-20 NBA Draft pick Kyle Filipowski — will be returning to Durham for another year under Jon Scheyer, he announced via Twitter.
— Kyle “Flip” Filipowski (@kylefilipowski) April 11, 2023
“When I committed here, I said I wanted to continue the Duke legacy,” Filipowski said in his announcement video. “I said I wanted to help coach Scheyer build the foundation. I meant what I said. Same dynasty, new legacy. I’m not done yet. See you next year.”
Filipowski, the 7-foot, 230-pound center from Westtown (NY), put up 15.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game for the Blue Devils in 2022-23. The big man was awarded with the ACC Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the All-ACC Second Team for his efforts.
“Being at Duke this past year was such a blessing,” Filipowski said. “This team, this place, the Crazies, it was incredible.”
Filipowski is a former top-5 overall recruit in the class of 2022 per 247Sports. He’s the second former top-5 recruit since 2020 to stay another year in school, joining only Emoni Bates. Filipowski was projected as the No. 17 overall pick in Jonathan Givony’s latest mock draft.
Kyle Filipowski announces his return to Duke. Has been brewing for a while. Was told he loves college and wasn't ready to leave yet, plus there's some injury news that will come out later. Filipowski was ranked No. 16 in our Top-100. Top-5 pick candidate in the 2024 NBA draft now https://t.co/MCaF9yaTh2
With Filipowski’s return, Duke will likely be AP’s No. 1 team preseason. The Blue Devils also return Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, Ryan Young, Jaden Schutt, Jaylen Blakes and Christian Reeves from last year’s squad. Additionally, four five-star 2023 prospects — Caleb Foster, Jared McCain, Sean Stewart and TJ Power — will join the roster. Point guard Jeremy Roach could also return, but he is testing the NBA Draft waters.
