Wilbraham & Monson star Kyle Fillipowski commits to Duke
WILBRAHAM, Mass. (BVM) — After a busy recruiting season for Wilbraham & Monson forward Kyle Filipowski, the 6-foot-11 big man announced his decision to become a Duke Blue Devil. The No. 33 player in the Class of 2022 can check off his college decision after receiving a list of offers from the nation’s top programs.
Filipowski is coming off back-to-back dominating seasons in the NEPSAC earning the Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Basketball Player of the Year this past season. The junior forward averaged 21 points and 13.2 rebounds in 2021, improving marks from his sophomore season where he averaged 20.1 points and 10.5 rebounds.
“He knew how competitive the race was for that award this year and to be able to win it over some players that were older than him, already going to college, and are great players in their own right, he definitely took all that in and realized how special it was,” Wilbraham & Monson coach Mike Mannix said of his Player of the Year win.
The continuation of a dynasty, but the beginning of a new journey… 💙😈 #committed #TheBrotherhood #AGTG pic.twitter.com/iL9Ru9dVfe
— Kyle “Flip” Filipowski (@kylefilipowski) July 29, 2021
The Titans’ forward will bring an advanced skill set to the college ranks after his senior season next year. Filipowski has showcased rare versatility throughout his time on the court and in his two seasons at Wilbraham & Monson, Filipowski has shown elite traits as both a rebounder and a scorer.
“He rebounds the ball as well as any 6-foot-10 guy you are going to find, so he probably rebounds the ball better than any stretch four that you find,” Mannix said. “When you average 13 rebounds and you’re thought of as a stretch four, that’s a lot of rebounds.”
Filipowski held offers from the likes of Duke, Michigan, Ohio State, Syracuse and UConn, but decided to join the Duke program under upcoming head coach Jon Scheyer. The Wilbraham & Monson big man becomes the first domino to fall for the Blue Devils’ program in 2022, while still waiting on others from the class.
“Coach K retiring didn’t change how I felt about Duke,” Filipowski told ESPN. “I’ve been building this relationship with Coach Scheyer for over six months now, and the vision he has, not just for me but for my class, is something that I can envision myself in. I believe in him and what he is planning. I think being a part of that and helping him make his own name at Duke would be something very special for both of us. I just wanted to carry on the dynasty of Duke but also create a foundation with Coach Scheyer.”
