Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, Jared McCain to enter NBA draft

Duke sophomore center Kyle Filipowski and freshman guard Jared McCain declared for the 2024 NBA Draft on Friday.

“This has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pursue it,” Filipowski posted on X.

The 20-year-old 7-footer is ranked No. 16 on ESPN’s list of the top 100 prospects for the June 26-27 draft.

Filipowski was a second-team All-American and a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick in 2023-24.

The New York native averaged 16.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 36 starts for the Blue Devils (27-9, 15-5 ACC).

He was the ACC Rookie of the Year and MVP of the conference tournament during his freshman campaign.

“Thank you, Duke Nation,” Filipowski wrote on social media. “Your unwavering encouragement and belief in me have fueled my determination to reach this point. Whether you’ve cheered for me from the stands, followed my career online, or simply sent positive vibes my way, please know that your support has meant the world to me.”

In 72 career games (all starts), Filipowski averaged 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks.

McCain, who is ranked No. 19 on ESPN’s list of top prospects, averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in his only season with the Blue Devils.

“I’ve always been a dream chaser,” McCain wrote on social media. “I’ve always been wanting to reach my goals, and that next one is the NBA.”