Duke basketball: Kyle Filipowski named ACC Tournament’s MVP

Duke basketball freshman Kyle Filipowski was named as the MVP of the ACC Tournament. 

It has been a dream season for Duke basketball freshman Kyle Filipowski.

After many overlooked him in the preseason due to reports of poor offseason practice plus the loaded incoming class of the Blue Devils, he has showed the country why he is the best rookie in the program.

The 7-footer added another trophy to his collection on Saturday night when he was named as the Most Valuable Player of the ACC Tournament following Duke’s 59-49 victory over Virginia in the championship game.

Filipowski added 20 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday night following performances of 22 points, in 16 minutes, on a sprained ankle against Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals and 17 points and 11 rebounds against Miami in the semifinals.

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“Coming into the preseason, as a freshman, no one really had me on their lists,” Filipowski told the ACC Network after the tournament championship.

The Westtown, New York native was named as the conference’s Rookie of the Year but despite averaging 15.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the regular season, he was left off the All-ACC First Team and placed on the Second Team.

“[No one] had me winning anything, or being that big of an impact on our team,” the freshman added.

“I didn’t come in the best but I came in and worked my butt off and just seeing where I am now, I’m really proud of myself.”

Duke basketball adds more to ACC All-Tournament Team

Duke junior Jeremy Roach, along with Kyle Filipowski, was named to the ACC All-Tournament First Team.

Roach led the Blue Devils with 23 points against Virginia while chipping in 13 points against Miami and nine points, four rebounds, and six assists in limited minutes against Pittsburgh.

The captain has only lost one ACC Tournament game in his career and will be looking to replicate his outstanding performances in March from a season ago as Duke prepares for the NCAA Tournament.

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Dereck Lively II was named to the ACC All-Tournament Second Team after his 13-point, 4-rebound, and 2-block showing against the Panthers and eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks in the semifinals.

Lively II had four points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the championship.

Duke will learn where it is heading next on Sunday evening (6:00p.m. ET, CBS) during the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.