Jon Scheyer says Kyle Filipowski's outing against Pittsburgh was 'a big deal'

Duke freshman Kyle Filipowski has been incredibly consistent for his team this season. The young center had slowed down over the last few games but, after exploding against Pittsburgh on Wednesday night, Jon Scheyer used it to underline just how important he is for the Blue Devils.

Scheyer spoke after No. 24 Duke’s 77-69 win over the Panthers about the difference that Filipowski makes for the team. With him being as versatile as he is, he did everything for the Blue Devils and, if nothing else, Scheyer was excited about what this game could do for the freshman moving forward.

“Flip was great tonight. He hasn’t played as well, and he’s been a difference maker for us when he’s at his peak. It’s a game changer,” said Scheyer. “He puts a lot of pressure on the defense, obviously, the way he can attack the basket. It was good for him to see a three go down tonight. We still feel like those are great shots for us and we want him shooting those. Just his determination on the boards (and) have 15 rebounds against them. They’ve been right there, statistically, rebounding with other teams.”

“For Flip to do that against a veteran team like them is a big deal,” Scheyer said.

Filipowski finished with career-highs in points with 28 and rebounds with 15. That was his seventh, and best, double-double of the season. ‘Flip’ did it on blistering shooting as well as he finished 8-14 (57.1%) on the night with the one make from distance. That brings his season averages up to 14.7 points and 8.9 rebounds on 43.1% shooting from the field.

At seven feet tall, Filipowski has proven to be a matchup nightmare over his first 17 collegiate games. Still, performances like this prove he may only be getting better. That’s why Scheyer is all for it as Duke will press on in ACC play and face Clemson on the road on Saturday.