Kyle Filipowski explains decision to commit to Duke

Kyle Filipowski came out of high school as highly-touted as a recruit can be. Even with all the attention, though, he knew there was only one school for him when it came to his commitment.

Filipowski broke down his commitment to Duke during an appearance on the inaugural episode of ‘The Brotherhood’ Podcast with Blue Devil teammate Ryan Young. He said that he realized that Duke checked off every single box for him, both on and off the court in Durham, after he went on his visit.

“I made a pros and cons list with all of my visits that I went on. And on the plane ride home? I made a pros and cons list for Duke. And there were just no cons that I could really write about compared to other schools,” Filipowski said. “I couldn’t think of one single con for Duke.

“I mean just with the relationship I had with Coach Scheyer and, also, the rest of the staff? But, also, everything else Duke has to offer in terms of it being a nice atmosphere? Best college fanbase, biggest stage? But also good academics?,” explained Filipowski. “It was kind of a great place to set myself up for the rest of my life.”

Filipowski became the first commitment of the post-Mike Krzyzewski era at Duke under Scheyer. He joined as a five-star recruit in 2022 as well as the No. 5 prospect and No. 1 PF. He arrived as part of the Blue Devil’s No. 1 class in ’22. That class was highlighted by him, Dereck Lively II, Dariq Whitehead, Mark Mitchell, and Tyrese Proctor.

During his freshman season at Duke, Filipowski made his presence felt in the program. He was the team’s leader in scoring (15.1), rebounding (8.9), and steals (1.3) last season. He led all freshman in the nation in double-doubles with 16 and scored in double-figures in 31 of his appearances. In the end, that production helped him win ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Tournament MVP while also earning a spot on the All-ACC Second Team.

Still, although he could have simply left for the pros, Filipowski spurned the NBA Draft and shifted the program’s fate for next season in a big way by returning to college. It sounds like, once again, Duke checked off all his boxes as he returns to complete some unfinished business with the Blue Devils in ’23-’24.