The former Blue Devil has just been named to the NBA 2K26 Summer League First Team, capping off a sensational showing in Las Vegas with the Utah Jazz. Filipowski didn’t just participate — he dominated. In only three games, the 21-year-old averaged an electrifying 29.3 points per game, proving he’s more than ready for a breakout sophomore season in the NBA.
Filipowski shot a blistering 56.1% from the field, splashed 39.1% from deep, and added 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest. His performance was not just statistically impressive, but visually commanding. He showed expanded range, better footwork, and the type of offensive fluidity that NBA coaches dream of in a modern big man.
For Duke fans, this is no surprise. Filipowski spent two years in Durham terrorizing ACC opponents with his versatile scoring and interior presence. He was the ACC Rookie of the Year and earned All-ACC honors before declaring for the draft and landing with the Jazz. Now, he’s proving that his game translates just as well on the pro level.
Last season as a rookie in Utah, Filipowski posted solid numbers — 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game — in limited minutes. But this summer in Las Vegas, he showcased a more confident, aggressive, and polished version of himself. From silky jumpers to crafty post moves, the evolution of his game was on full display.
And Filipowski wasn’t the only Blue Devil making headlines.
Kon Knueppel, another Duke product who just finished a one-and-done season under Jon Scheyer, also earned national recognition by being named to the NBA 2K26 Summer League Second Team. Drafted No. 4 overall by the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel demonstrated why scouts were raving about his two-way versatility and elite shot-making.
Knueppel delivered all-around performances in Vegas — scoring efficiently, defending with tenacity, and showing off his high basketball IQ. While Filipowski led with scoring, Knueppel impressed with his poise and adaptability on both ends of the court.
This latest run of NBA Summer League success only reinforces Duke’s reputation as the premier launching pad for pro talent. With Cooper Flagg, Jared McCain, and others from the 2025 draft class already turning heads in the league, it’s clear the Blue Devils aren’t just sending players to the NBA — they’re sending stars.
From Coach K’s historic foundation to Jon Scheyer’s modern retooling of the program, Duke’s influence in the league has never been more evident. With Filipowski and Knueppel joining a long list of Blue Devils thriving in the pros — including stars like Jayson Tatum, Brandon Ingram, and Paolo Banchero — the Brotherhood continues to prove its staying power.
And as training camps approach this fall, both Filipowski and Knueppel will enter the season with momentum, confidence, and a chip on their shoulders.
For now, the message is clear: Duke players don’t just go to the NBA. They arrive.
