Kyle Filipowski is dazzled playing for Duke Blue Devils: “The hype and everything going to Duke, can get in your head a little bit”
Duke Blue Devils freshman Kyle Filipowski was generating buzz heading into the 2022-23 NCAA season. After being the seventh-ranked high school basketball player by ESPN, the talented big man knew expectations would be high.
So far, it hasn't slowed down Kyle Filiposwki during his freshman year. At 6-foot-10, 220 pounds, Filipowski has the size to give opposing teams nightmares. But Filipowski has also shown versatility on both sides of the floor. A gifted shooter with an underrated feel for the game, Filipowski has been Duke's most impressive player this season.
Heading into Tuesday night's game against Iowa, Filipowski has impressed with his production. Through 10 games, the talented big man is averaging 15.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He's also shooting 43.3%, including 36.1% from 3-point range.
The 15th-ranked Duke Blue Devils (8-2) have a roster rich in talent, but Filipowski has been the most consistent force. He recently spoke to Brendan Marks of The Athletic and was asked if he's surprised by his play to start the year.
“A little bit, just because the hype and everything going to Duke, things like that, can get in your head a little bit, and that was definitely there like the first couple games," Flipowski said.
“I’m not really worried about scoring the most every game or something like that. I’m just doing my job out there.”
While junior Jeremy Roach remains Duke’s most important player, it’s the seven-man freshman class that will determine this team’s ceiling.
Ten games into the season, @BrendanRMarks checks in on the Blue Devils’ freshmen.
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Duke Blue Devils freshman Kyle Filipowski making noise
It hasn't taken long for Duke Blue Devils freshman Kyle Filipowski to start a buzz around the world of college basketball. Now, Filipowski will attempt to continue to intrigue NBA scouts and personnel moving forward.
Duke's roster has a plethora of talent. Freshmen Dariq Whitehead and Dereck Lively were once viewed as potential top 10 selections. Both players have been off to a slow start after recovering from preseason injuries.
Because of that, the light has shone brightest on Filipowski. With the size of an NBA center and the skill of a wing, Filipowski has been fantastic. In his last five games, he's averaged 14.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg and 2.0 spg.
BIG GUARD @kylefilipowski https://t.co/52jBMds2iA
One of Filipowski's most impressive performances came in a 54-51 win over Oregon State on Nov. 23. He finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds while shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range.
Flipowski's twin brother, Matthew, plays for Harvard. Their parents played college basketball as well: father, Dave, at Slippery Rock, and mom, Becky, at Long Beach State.