The first day of the NBA draft at the Barclays Center was as frantic as expected. Zacharie Rissacher went number one overall to the Hawks over Alexander Sarr. T28 others found their maiden NBA destination. However, only half the process is over just yet. Many prospects still await their judgment day when round two will kick off tomorrow. While this year’s class isn’t as enthralling, there were still some surprises who didn’t hear their names on the first day. Amongst them was Kyle Filipowski, the playmaking center from Duke.

Filipowski was a standout talent for the Blue Devils this season. In his sophomore year, the dynamic seven-footer became the seventh player in Duke’s history to score over 1,000 points in two seasons. Additionally, he was also named to the All-ACC First Team. But even then all first-round teams passed on the Blue Devils product.

According to Kevin O’Connor, the 20-year-old is one of the top prospects still remaining in the draft. Responding to the claim, Jayson Tatum publicly showed his support for his alma mater’s star and said “Lot of teams gone regret passing up on Flip”. Maybe it was Tatum trying to promote Filipowski since they share a connection with Duke.  But it isn’t that Kyle Filipowski isn’t talented by any stretch of imagination.

The Blue Devils center led the team in both scoring and rebounding for a second consecutive season. The 20-year-old also displayed an improved perimeter game while cementing himself as an active defensive presence. Filipowski is already gaining a lot of interest to be drafted early in the second round tomorrow.

Teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, who hosted him for a workout are projected to pick him in case he falls down to 40. However, the Raptors’ need for a stretch five could also see him be the first pick on day two.

Kyle Filipowski stats

Filipowski was a problem during his sophomore season with Duke. The 7’0″ center proved his prowess as a playmaker showcasing impressive passing throughout the season. He averaged a career-high 2.8 points which was nearly double of what he managed during his freshman season. As a focal attacker, he averaged 16.4 points while also contributing 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks.

Filipowski has the tools to be a solid NBA role player who can be an immediate difference-maker in his early years. However, there have been issues relating to his wingspan and speed. Among all power forwards listed for the draft, he had the second-worst wingspan. The Duke product isn’t particularly athletic either only recording a 32-inch vertical.

Do you think Kyle Filipowski will be drafted tomorrow, if yes which team do you think will select him? Let us know your views in the comments below.