Duke’s Filipowski remains; Top-10 recruit wants out

Duke’s basketball lineup continued to take shape Tuesday with potential first-round choice Kyle Filipowski announcing his choice to go back to the Blue Devils and top-10 recruit Mackenzie Mgbako asking for a release from his letter of intent.Filipowski was one of the

best freshmen in the country this past season, balancing 15.1 points and 8.9 rebounds, leading the Blue Devils in both classifications. He opened his career with 3 straight double-doubles, including 17 points and 14 rebounds versus Kansas, quickly establishing himself as one of the best huge guys in college basketball.The 7-foot New York local was playing some of his best basketball down the stretch, going for 22 points and 13 rebounds in the regular-season finale at North Carolina and completing with 20 points and 10 boards in the ACC competition title game versus Virginia.Editor’s Picks 2 Related Filipowski was ranked No. 16 in ESPN’s 2023 NBA draft rankings and now might put himself in position to be a top-five pick in the 2024

draft with a substantial sophomore season.Almost as quickly as Filipowski made his choice public, Mgbako announced his plans to resume his recruitment. “After long idea, prayers and discussions with my moms and dads and relied on advisors, I am composing to officially request a release from my NLI to Duke University,”Mgbako composed in a social media post.”While I have excellent appreciation and respect for the Duke coaching staff and fans for their interest in me, I feel that there will be other places for me to continue my basketball journey, so I will be re-opening the recruiting process to all schools. “A 6-8 forward from New Jersey, Mgbako was the highest-ranked prospect in Duke’s No. 2-ranked recruiting class. He was thought about the No. 2 power forward in the 2023 class and the No. 8 overall player in the ESPN 100. Mgbako initially committed to Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils last April.But his role was going to be affected by Filipowski’s return. Scheyer is reviving starters Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell and now Filipowski. Point guard Jeremy Roach stated for the NBA draft while keeping his college eligibility.Even without Mgbako, Duke will still welcome four top-35 potential customers to Durham this summertime: Jared McCain (No. 12), Sean Stewart( No. 16), T.J. Power( No. 25 )and Caleb Foster(No. 31). The Blue Devils are also in pursuit of centers in the transfer website.