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The Duke basketball team got some good news on Tuesday in the form of an announcement from its top player. Kyle Filipowski intends to return to Durham in hopes of landing the Blue Devils another national championship.
The big man averaged 15 points and nine boards as a freshman, becoming a force in the post for Jon Scheyer’s squad. He notched double figures in scoring in 31 of the team’s 36 contests.
That production resulted in NBA Draft consideration as many experts projected the center to be a first-round pick. Despite the interest garnered at the next level, Filipowski has decided to return for his sophomore season.
He made the announcement on his Twitter page early Tuesday morning.
Respect my decision‼️ pic.twitter.com/qFxB7PefDI
— Kyle “Flip” Filipowski (@kylefilipowski) April 11, 2023
The announcement is the latest good news for the Blue Devils with Filipowski joining Mark Mitchell and Tyrese Proctor as potential NBA prospects that have opted to come back.
With the returns, they’ll bring back the majority of a starting lineup that was already considered title worthy. There’s also a chance that guard Jeremy Roach is back in Durham for the 2023-24 season, not to mention another top recruiting class.
Suddenly a lot of depth at #Duke for next season…
Guards: Tyrese Proctor, Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, *Jeremy Roach, Jaylen Blakes
Wings: Mark Mitchell, Jaden Schutt, TJ Power
Bigs: Kyle Filipowski, Sean Stewart, Ryan Young, Christian Reeves
Potential preseason No. 1 team.
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) April 11, 2023
With the depth that the Blue Devils bring back, many are projecting Duke as the team to beat next year.
FOX’s John Fanta said, “Kyle Filipowski is returning for his sophomore year at Duke. Blue Devils already have Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell returning as well, while Jeremy Roach could come back — plus, Jon Scheyer ushers in four 5-star recruits. 2023-24 could be a special one in Durham.”
ESPN’s Myron Medcalf wrote, “Well, Duke is your preseason No. 1 now.”
I think I’m gonna move Duke up to my Preseason No. 1 spot this morning …
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 11, 2023
Some are already looking forward to hating the Blue Devils again next year. College basketball personality Jason Jordan commented, “Duke is gonna be top tier hatable good again!”
Duke fell short of its national championship aspirations last year, losing to Tennessee in the Round of 32. They did, however, bring home an ACC tournament title.
The Blue Devils will kick off the 2023-24 in November, and expectations will be high.