What Duke basketball's Kyle Filipowski expects to be 'different' as NBA player
Duke basketball’s Kyle Filipowski is ready to embrace the challenge and differences associated with making the jump from college to the NBA.
In a video posted on NBA.com, Filipowski discussed his final season with the Blue Devils and what he’s looking forward to as an NBA player during an interview at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
“The college game is so much different than the NBA. Personally, I think the NBA complements my game so much better, just with the spacing and the play style,” said Filipowski, who started each of his 72 games at Duke, averaging 15.8 points and 8.6 rebounds across two seasons.
“Being able to space the floor, shoot that three, and not have to worry about double (teams) every possession. … The college game did kind of take away from my game. I still had a good year, but I wasn’t able to do everything that I’m capable of.”
After spending a bulk of his freshman season as a stretch four, Duke’s lack of interior size forced Filipowski to play out of position a bit more as a sophomore.
He finished the year as an All-American, averaging 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks. He also knocked down 34.8% of his 3-pointers.
“I played (center) this year more, so it was new for me. I think it helped me on the defensive end with getting used to being more of a rim protector and playing different coverages,” Filipowski said.
“At the same time, it helped me understand my game better … and what I’m trying to focus on going into the draft.”
On Monday, the NBA took official measurements for every player participating in the combine. Filipowski measured at just over 6-foot-10 without shoes and weighed in at 229 pounds.
In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Filipowski is projected to be selected by the Orlando Magic with the 18th overall pick. NBA.com’s latest mock predicts Filipowski to land with the Toronto Raptors at No. 19.
The NBA Draft is set for June 26-27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Duke basketball's Kyle Filipowski talks jump to NBA at draft combine
