The Duke men’s basketball program received some good news on Tuesday morning, as one of the program’s top players has decided to return to the team for another season.
The Blue Devils’ roster next year should be one of the more talented ones across the sport, as freshman forward Kyle Filipowski has decided to return to Durham for the 2023-24 season. After receiving ACC Rookie of the Year honors, it was conceivable that Filipowski would’ve been a lottery pick in June’s NBA Draft. Instead, the 7-footer from Westtown, New York, has decided to put the NBA on hold for another season.
Respect my decision‼️ pic.twitter.com/qFxB7PefDI
— Kyle “Flip” Filipowski (@kylefilipowski) April 11, 2023
A consensus five-star recruit coming out of high school, Filipowski lived up to his hype as a prospect, leading the Blue Devils with 15.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game in 36 starts. In addition to being named the conference Rookie of the Year, he was a Second-Team All-ACC and selection and was named the ACC Tournament MVP for his efforts.
The college sports world reacted to the huge news of Filipowski’s return on social media:
“Kyle Filipowski announces his return to Duke. Has been brewing for a while,” wrote ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “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.”
“Well now.@DukeMBB can expect to be in the ‘24 @MFinalFour chase,” said Andy Katz.
“Kyle Filipowski is returning to Duke. Perhaps the early favorite for ACC Player of the Year. Very good chance the Blue Devils start the season #1 in the polls,” tweeted Brian Rauf.
“Wait, I thought NIL was going to ruin college sports,” said Andrew Perloff.
[Kyle Filipowski on Twitter]
