In a surprising move during the offseason, Kyle Filipowski declined the NBA draft and returned to Duke. Filipowski was named the ACC Rookie of the Year, as he averaged 15.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The Blue Devils had a nine-game winning streak, thanks to his play. He will challenge Purdue’s Zach Edey for the National Player of the Year award at the end of the season, and he seems like a lock for the ACC Player of the Year honors as well.
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
Four other standout players also warrant close observation for the All-ACC First-Team:
- Armando Bacot | Center | North Carolina: Bacot has decided to return for another season after averaging 15.9 points and 10.4 rebounds last year. This is a slight decrease from his 2021-22 season, where he averaged 16.3 points and 13.1 rebounds during UNC’s Final Four run.
- Blake Hinson | Forward | Pittsburgh: Hinson is coming off a career-best season, recording averages of 15.3 points and six rebounds. He helped get the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament last year, their first time in six years. The Panthers are thrilled with what he can bring this year.
- Nijel Pack | Guard | Miami: Miami lost their two top scorers (guards Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller) to the NBA Draft. This creates an opportunity for Pack to assume a more prominent role. He put up 13.6 points during the regular season and an impressive 16.4 points during the NCAA Tournament. He was the third-best player on the team and will get more shots this year.
- Tyrese Proctor | Guard | Duke: Proctor had the potential to enter the NBA Draft but has opted to return to Duke instead. He posted averages of 9.4 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. This year, he’ll have more experience and free range in the offense. His decision to stay offers the Blue Devils more depth and experience.
