Kentucky basketball target Kyle Filipowski commits to Duke

Kentucky’s comeback effort in the Kyle Filipowski sweepstakes has proven to be unsuccessful, as the skilled forward prospect announced his commitment to Duke on Thursday.

The soon-to-be five-star forward chose the Blue Devils over offers from Kentucky, Ohio State, Syracuse, Indiana, Boston College, Connecticut, Creighton, Georgetown, Illinois, Iowa, Louisville, Marquette, Miami, Michigan and North Carolina, among others.

“I joined The Brotherhood and committed to Duke because at the end of the day it checked all the boxes for me,” Filipowski told Joe Tipton of On3. “National level team, high academics, family atmosphere, and I know that by the time I graduate from Duke, I will have grown into the best person and player I can be because of who I am surrounded by at Duke.

“I have all my faith in coach Scheyer and his vision for not only myself but my class and I want to help him get that vision started and help bring along guys to fit that vision and ultimately win a national championship.”

Kentucky extended a scholarship offer on July 19 after a standout spring and summer capped off by a stellar performance at Peach Jam. UK fought to get Filipowski on campus and push a decision back in hopes of making a late run in his recruitment, but the rising senior’s long-standing connections with the Duke program were too much to make up this late in the game.

Now, the program will turn its attention to Dereck Lively II and Adem Bona in the frontcourt, with the former seen as the best interior defender in the class and the latter being an absolute workhorse with a college-ready body.

On to the next.