Duke basketball: Kyle Filipowski not shying away from lofty expectations

Duke basketball forward Kyle Filipowski is not shying away from expectations this season. 

There are major expectations on the shoulders of the Duke basketball program entering the 2023-24 season and sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski is embracing the challenge of being one of the best teams in the country.

Filipowski, in a sit-down interview with Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, went through his decision to return to Duke for another season, offseason double hip surgery, and what to expect from the Blue Devils this season.

The answers to questions, which was recorded in July, about his draft status and health have been standard for what the 7-footer has explained throughout the summer but did leave the interview with one interesting comment.

“We’re going into this season like a flamethrower,” Filipowski said.

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“We know there’s going to be people coming at us every game.”

Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, and Mark Mitchell join the ACC Rookie of the Year in returning to Duke from last season’s roster while head coach Jon Scheyer brings in the consensus No. 2 recruiting class in the country comprised of 5-star prospects Caleb Foster, Jared McCain, Sean Stewart, and TJ Power.

Duke basketball superstar knows he has more to prove

Kyle Filipowski averaged 15.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game and shot 44.1-percent from the field but explained that he still has a lot more to show the country since he was playing injured throughout his freshman season.

“I reevaluated what I did last year, and there were so many things I couldn’t done better,” Filipowski told Goodman.

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“I feel like I’ve gotten a fresh start. I know I can do so much more than I did last year, and it’s going to shock people.”

Kyle Filipowski will likely be a preseason All-American and many have Duke battling with Kansas for the preseason No. 1 ranking but all the talk and speculation will end when the ball is tipped on November 6.