Kyle Filipowski Doesn’t Mind Being Duke Basketball’s Next Villain

Kyle Filipowski Doesn’t Mind Being Duke Basketball’s Next Villain

Laettner. Redick. Allen. Duke Basketball has become almost synonymous with villainy. Some of that is expected given the historical success of the program, but every now and then there’s a Blue Devil who gets a much larger target on his back. Is forward Kyle Filipowski the next Duke villain? It seems he wouldn’t mind that.

The first episode of Duke’s The Brotherhood Podcast featured Filipowski, and the rising sophomore said he can handle the vitriol levied at him.

“I did experience some [hate] last year, just hearing a lot of bad talk about me. That’s what happens when you’re a really good player playing for a really good team. … I use it as fuel to the fire. It makes me laugh because I’m like, ‘You guys are talking s–t to me while you’re watching me play. You’re spending your money to watch me beat your a–.’ It’s very entertaining for me.”

Kyle Filipowski finished last season averaging 15.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, both team highs. He was named ACC Freshman of the Year as well as ACC Tournament MVP after Duke bested Virginia in the championship game, 59-49. The Blue Devils then defeated an upstart Oral Roberts team in the 2023 NCAA Tournament Round of 64 before falling to Tennessee in their following contest. Filipowski turned in a solid effort on the boards during the NCAA Tournament, but he was limited to 34.7% shooting from the field.

Duke Basketball’s Outlook for Next Season

Kyle Filipowski’s return is extremely important for Duke Basketball as the program looks to build on Jon Scheyer’s first season in charge. The Blue Devils also return key pieces in Jeremy Roach, Mark Mitchell, and Tyrese Proctor. They certainly will not be lacking for talent as they bring in the No. 2 recruiting class in the country per 247Sports.

The Blue Devils are widely projected to be one of the nation’s top teams ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. With their leading scorer and rebounder (as well as a potential villain) back in the fold, look for this young team to take a step forward.

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