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NCAA Basketball: Top 10 pending 2023 NBA Draft decisions to watch next month

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 7, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski (30) talks with head coach Jon Scheyer during a timeout in the second half of a game against the Boston College Eagles at the Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski (30) talks with head coach Jon Scheyer during a timeout in the second half of a game against the Boston College Eagles at the Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Draft Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kyle Filipowski – Duke Blue Devils

There are several decisions that the Blue Devils have to deal with in the coming weeks. Two have already been announced, as Tyrese Proctor is coming back, and shooting guard Dariq Whitehead, a projected top-20 pick, is going pro. There are still some guys to watch for, including guard Jeremy Roach, center Dereck Lively, and forward Mark Mitchell.

But the most important player to watch for Duke was its best player, Kyle Filipowski. He led the team with 15.1 ppg and 9.0 rpg, shooting 44% from the field and 28% from three-point range. That was the weakness of the freshman’s game, as he wasn’t a great shooter overall.

Filipowski did just about everywhere else right, especially in the post. He was in double figures for 31 of 36 games, including a 28-point and 15-rebound performance in a home win over Pittsburgh. He also went for 29 versus Virginia Tech. The big man was inconsistent at times but that also had to do with the constant rotation turnover with all the injuries.

If Duke can bring back Filipowski, they’ll be a top-5 team for the upcoming season and have a favorite for ACC Player of the Year. He’ll be a national breakout candidate as well and with an improved jumpshot, will be close to unstoppable.

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