Blue Devil Country

ACC Snubs Another Duke Basketball Sophomore Forward

Somehow, Duke basketball has more national weekly individual honors this season than those of the ACC variety.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Last Monday, Duke basketball's Mark Mitchell seemed deserving of the ACC Player of the Week distinction, as he had averaged 22.0 points and 10.0 rebounds in victories over Syracuse and Notre Dame. But the now-No. 7 Blue Devils (13-3, 4-1 ACC) came up empty in conference hardware.

And this Monday was the same story, except this time it was fellow sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski who had a phenomenal week across two more Duke victories yet did not receive the ACC award.

In wins over Pitt and Georgia Tech, the ACC Preseason Player of the Year and projected 2024 first-round draft pick averaged 28.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 8-for-9 from three. Simply put, Filipowski's efficient brilliance powered Duke in extending its six-week winning streak to an ACC-best eight games. 

Nevertheless, Virginia Tech junior guard Sean Pedulla is the ACC Player of the Week this go-round, the conference announced on Monday afternoon.

Sure, Pedulla averaged a conference-best 32.5 points in home games against Clemson and Miami. That said, the Hokies went 1-1 in those outings.

More evidence of the ACC's snubbing lies in the fact that Filipowski's prowess was enough for legendary ESPN commentator Dick Vitale to label him the NCAA's top performer from last week. The same goes for College Insider, which tabbed the 20-year-old 7-footer the Lute Olson National Player of the Week.

Meanwhile, it's worth pointing out that the Blue Devils have yet to produce an ACC Rookie of the Week this season despite full-time starting guard Jared McCain being a one-time United States Basketball Writers Association Freshman of the Week on the national stage.

Kyle Filipowski became ACC Player of the Week on Dec. 18, still the only time the conference has recognized a 2023-24 Duke basketball talent. Note that this week's only other ranked ACC squad, No. 4 UNC, has racked up four ACC Player of the Week honors: two apiece for senior guard RJ Davis and graduate center Armando Bacot.

NEXT DUKE BASKETBALL GAME: at home versus unranked Pitt (10-6, 1-4 ACC), 8 p.m. ET Saturday (ACC Network)

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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