Duke star Filipowski returning for sophomore year

Duke star Kyle Filipowski is returning for his sophomore year, he announced on social media Tuesday.

The 7-footer was expected to be a late first-round pick in this year's draft.

Filipowski had a solid debut season with the Blue Devils, averaging 15.1 points, nine boards, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals over 36 appearances. He was fifth in the ACC in free-throw attempts (170) and 11th in the nation with 16 double-doubles.

Filipowski was the ACC's Rookie of the Year this past campaign and among 20 players on the late-season Wooden Award watch list. His return solidifies Duke's status among next year's contenders. The Blue Devils have another loaded recruiting class featuring five-star recruits Jared McCain and Sean Stewart.

Duke went 27-9 in its first year under Jon Scheyer. The Blue Devils were eliminated in the Round of 32 by Tennessee.