Duke’s Unexpected Summer Star, Kyle Filipowski, Lights Up the NBA Summer League with 35 Points, Leaving Cooper in His Wake

The NBA Summer League is often a proving ground, a place where young talents, undrafted hopefuls, and fringe roster players showcase their skills to stake a claim for a spot on the big stage. This summer, amidst the glittering prospects and established rookies trying to make their mark, one name has surged above the rest: Kyle Filipowski. The former Duke standout didn’t just participate—he dominated. In a dazzling display of scoring, defense, and pure basketball IQ, Filipowski exploded for 35 points in a Summer League game that left spectators and analysts buzzing. His performance not only lit up the scoreboard but also left another Duke alumnus, the promising young guard Jeremy Cooper, trailing in his wake.

Kyle Filipowski’s collegiate career at Duke was marked by flashes of brilliance intertwined with growing pains typical of a young big man transitioning to elite competition. Standing 6’11” with a versatile skill set, Filipowski entered Duke as one of the most highly touted big men in his recruiting class. Known for his ability to stretch the floor with a smooth mid-range jumper, rebound aggressively, and defend multiple positions, Filipowski had all the tools to develop into a top-tier NBA prospect.

Yet, his freshman season at Duke was more of a work-in-progress than a showcase. Limited minutes, inconsistent shooting, and a need to build physical strength led many scouts to view him as a project rather than a finished product. Meanwhile, his teammate Jeremy Cooper—a dynamic guard known for his explosiveness and sharp shooting—received more spotlight, edging out Filipowski in many discussions about Duke’s NBA-ready talent.

But the Summer League told a different story.

In a recent Summer League game that pitted Duke alumni against each other, Filipowski seized the moment and made it his own. Displaying a mature offensive arsenal, he poured in 35 points on a blend of precision jump shots, putbacks, and aggressive drives to the basket. What stood out most was his composure—an attribute that had been questioned during his college tenure.

Filipowski’s ability to score at will, paired with his defensive presence, completely overshadowed Cooper’s contributions, who despite his hustle and flashes of skill, couldn’t keep pace. The contrast was striking: Cooper, once the more hyped Duke prospect, found himself playing catch-up as Filipowski dominated the game’s tempo and flow.

For years, Filipowski had been labeled a “project” —a player with tantalizing potential but lacking the polish or physical readiness to contribute immediately at the NBA level. His Summer League explosion forced scouts, coaches, and front offices to reconsider that narrative. Suddenly, the lanky, somewhat raw Duke big man transformed into a legitimate scoring threat and a versatile defender capable of impacting the game on multiple fronts.

His 35-point outburst was more than just a scoring spree—it was a demonstration of how far he had come in terms of conditioning, skill refinement, and basketball IQ. Where once he had struggled to assert himself in college, Filipowski now looked every bit like a confident pro ready to make an impact.

Filipowski’s scoring came through a diverse arsenal:

• Mid-Range Precision: His smooth jump shot from 12-18 feet was nearly automatic. On several possessions, he received the ball at the elbow, squared up, and drained shots over defenders, reminiscent of classic stretch big men like Kevin McHale or Chris Bosh.
• Putbacks and Offensive Rebounds: Filipowski showed great timing on the offensive glass, snatching rebounds and converting second-chance points with authority. His length and anticipation helped him create easy scoring opportunities.
• Aggressive Drives: Perhaps the most surprising element was his ability to attack the rim. Using a quick first step and soft touch, Filipowski navigated through defenses to finish at the basket, drawing fouls and energizing his team.
• Defensive Impact: Not just an offensive force, he protected the rim and switched effectively onto smaller players, showing the versatility modern NBA coaches covet.

Jeremy Cooper’s performance, while respectable, paled in comparison. Cooper, known for his scoring bursts and dynamic athleticism, struggled to find consistent rhythm against Filipowski’s assertive presence. Forced into more of a catch-and-shoot role, Cooper couldn’t dictate the pace and had difficulty creating separation on offense.

This dynamic flip—Filipowski emerging as the dominant force and Cooper playing a supporting role—has significant implications for the narrative around Duke’s NBA prospects. Once thought of as the more NBA-ready guard, Cooper now finds himself in the shadows of his big man teammate’s rise.

The NBA Summer League often serves as a critical barometer for draft evaluations and roster decisions. Filipowski’s breakout performance has likely boosted his draft stock considerably. Teams looking for a versatile, skilled big man with a high ceiling will take note.

Filipowski offers a rare blend of size, shooting, and defensive versatility. In an era where stretch bigs who can defend multiple positions are at a premium, his value is clear. His ability to hit jumpers, protect the rim, and rebound means he could fill a variety of roles, from a starting power forward to a backup center in a modern NBA rotation.

Moreover, his demonstrated work ethic and marked improvement over the summer show that he is coachable and ready to continue growing at the professional level.

Duke University has a storied history of producing NBA big men—from legends like Christian Laettner and Grant Hill to recent stars like Jahlil Okafor and Marvin Bagley III. Filipowski’s emergence adds a new chapter to that legacy, signaling that Duke continues to develop frontcourt players with the skill set and mentality to succeed in today’s league.

His Summer League performance also highlights how players can reinvent themselves and rewrite scouting reports post-college. Many Duke big men before him have faced questions about athleticism or fit but found success by adapting their games at the next level. Filipowski appears to be following a similar path.

Several scouts who watched the Summer League game shared glowing remarks about Filipowski:

• “He looked like a different player. More confident, more polished, and physically stronger. That’s exactly what teams want to see from a player coming off a somewhat uneven college season.”
• “His shot mechanics are smooth and repeatable. That mid-range game can open up the floor for any offense.”
• “Defensively, he’s not a liability. He switches well, contests shots, and rebounds with effort. He has the tools to be a solid role player early and a potential starter with development.”

Such feedback will be invaluable for Filipowski as he prepares for the NBA Draft Combine and further pre-draft workouts.

Beyond Filipowski’s individual success, this Summer League performance sends a message about the fluidity of player development and scouting. Players once overlooked or undervalued can explode onto the scene when given the right opportunities and offseason to refine their skills.

For Duke, it’s also a recruiting boost—highlighting their ability to produce NBA-ready talent who can adapt and improve at the next level. For the NBA teams, it’s a reminder to keep a close eye on late bloomers and emerging talents who may not have dominated in college but possess high upside.

The next steps for Filipowski are clear but challenging. He must capitalize on this momentum:

• Draft Preparation: Solidify his physical conditioning, work on three-point consistency, and continue honing defensive fundamentals.
• Summer League Continuation: Maintain high-level performances to build trust among NBA coaches and front office staff.
• Rookie Season Adaptation: Once drafted or signed, adapt to the NBA’s speed, physicality, and complexity while continuing development under professional coaching.

If Filipowski manages to translate his Summer League success into the regular NBA season, he could carve out a significant role and become a key piece for his new team.

Kyle Filipowski’s 35-point explosion this Summer League wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it was a defining moment that altered perceptions and announced his arrival on the professional stage. Leaving his Duke peer Jeremy Cooper behind, Filipowski showcased a maturity and skill set that belied his “project” label, proving that hard work and development pay dividends.

For Duke basketball fans and NBA observers alike, Filipowski’s emergence is a thrilling storyline—one of potential realized, of the unexpected star shining brightest when it mattered most. As the summer continues, all eyes will be on him, waiting to see how far this newfound star can rise.