Also, another Duke Freshman...
The RingerKyle Filipowski | Duke | Freshman
Skilled, tough big man with offensive talents tailor-made for the NBA
Shades Of: John Collins without elite hops
Age------------19 years old
Height--------7 footer
Weight--------230 lbs
Wingspan-----TBD
PLUSES
- Fluid ball handler capable of running actions like a guard or a wing, whether it’s pick-and-rolls or handoffs as the receiving player. He can attack out of actions in a straight line, or fluidly use crossovers and spin moves.
- He has glue-guy skills on offense, always keeping the ball moving, relocating around the court, and setting screens.
- NBA coaches will love to use him in different actions because of his playmaking and quick decision-making ability. He can run a pick-and-roll, or set hard screens then pop or short roll. He is already adept at running handoffs, so he could thrive if surrounded by shooters. And as a hard-nosed defensive rebounder, he can start offensive possessions by cleaning the glass and bringing the ball up on his own.
- Reliable post threat. He won’t get fed the ball but he can seal off a defender inside and score using drop steps and hook shots. Against switching defenses, his handle allows him to dribble from the perimeter into the post.
- Potentially solid 3-point shooter who displays soft touch from the post and the free throw line, which projects favorably for his long-term potential to become a knockdown guy. The more his shot improves, the more it’ll unlock his playmaking.
- Plays hard on defense. He’ll take a charge, box out, and put his body on the line. Plus, he has great coordination so he uses his hands to poke at the ball or disrupt actions on the perimeter. If he’s able to improve athletically he’ll be a good defender.
MINUSES
- Lacks the length of an elite rim protector and the mobility of a perimeter stopper. He’s more of a positional defender who gets by with effort.
- Subpar scorer at the rim when faced with contact or length, largely due to his own lack of strength. But he has the frame to handle more muscle so this skill should develop in time.
- He needs to cut down on careless turnovers. Sometimes he gets too loose with his handle in the open floor, or he’ll force passes through windows that are shut.
