Duke, Michigan State Champions Classic Scouting Report

WHO: Duke University vs. Michigan State University

WHEN: Champions Classic -- November 14, 2023

SCORE: 74-65 Duke

Kyle Filipowski

• 15 points (5-13 shooting, 0-4 from 3, 5-7 from the free throw line), 8 rebounds, 3 assists (2 turnovers), 2 blocks, 1 steal

Offense: Kyle Filipowski's skill was evident from the outset. Though he won't receive as many post touches in the NBA, his footwork was sound, and he made legitimately great reads and crisps passes -- displaying poise and patience with the ball, to lure the defense in giving up an advantage. He was deployed around the high post in delay actions as a playmaking/screening hub -- most relatable to his NBA role. He didn't connect on his 4 triple attempts, but he kept the defense honest by firing them off if they sagged off too much in these actions.

Defense: Filipowski uses his size well, stifling post-up attempts and altering shots at the rim. He absorbed contact well when post players try to muscle their way into a cleaner look.

What I'm monitoring going forward: His mobility. Filipowski didn't enter the 2023 draft due to an offseason double hip surgery. How it enhances his skillset as a modern big man would be a big question. There were moments where his movements came across pretty stiff, and he wasn't tasked with defending in space all that much. Over time, it'll be interesting to see how he can handle these sort of responsibilities -- defending at space, getting at a higher level of the screen. Nonetheless, he possesses a lot of skill necessary to succeed offensively in the NBA.

Tyrese Proctor

• 13 points (4-12 shooting, 1-5 from 3, 4-5 from the free throw line), 6 rebounds, 6 assists (0 turnovers), 2 steals, 1 block

Offense: One thing that stood out to me within Duke's offense was Tyrese Proctor's utilization. Given that he's the more experienced player between him and McCain, I thought Proctor would be handling primary initiation responsibilities. However, Duke had him operating with the ball in his hands in second or third action, and he dissected the defense with his driving and his playmaking — demonstrating great feel in the process. In terms of scalability to the NBA, it reflected his potential role a lot better. Despite an off shooting night, he showed creation upside in the mid-range and in his driving attack.

Defense: Proctor showed value defending as a wing in this game, halting drives at the point-of-attack and generating defensive events. He navigates screens well and uses his size to bother ball-of-handlers. His care factor defensively shined in his stocks — as he dove for a loose ball on a steal, and hustled back in transition to block a layup with great verticality. He showed legitimate upside as a 1-3 defender.

What I’m monitoring: More on-ball opportunities. At some point down the road this season, Proctor should get the keys, depending on Jared McCain’s development. It’d give him more chances as a primary initiator to showcase his creation tools, while also defending lead guards at the point-of-attack. Nonetheless, his role and skillset are translatable, and it should allow him to scale in either an on or off-ball role.

Mark Mitchell

• 13 points (2-3 shooting, 9-9 from the free throw line), 4 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 2 steals

Offense: Mitchell is more of a play finisher at the moment, as he’s typically slotted in the corner and crashes the lane as the defense shifts. He attacked the basket well to get to the line, often getting downhill in a straight line-drive rather than pulling out a flashy bag. His turnovers weren’t much of concern — 2 of them were him having happy feet once stifled near the paint, and another one was illegally moving along the baseline on an inbounds play.

Defense: Mitchell was a madman defensively and made a ton of winning plays. His activity as the low man is super — putting him in position to rotate to help or to switch in pick-and-roll situations. He funnels drivers towards help in the paint and uses his length to bother shots.

What I’m monitoring: The outside shot. There’s typically a role for slashing, defensive, low-usage wings with good size in the NBA, especially as versatility and switching are embraced among the wing/forward position. His ability and willingness to shoot the outside jumper could be the difference in him falling in the first or second round.

Other Guys

• Caleb Foster: Caleb Foster came off the bench and shot the heck out of the basketball — converting on 4 of his 5 triples, and 7 of his 8 total shots. His scoring arsenal is multi-faceted — off the catch, in movement, and off the dribble. He has sound mechanics on his jumper, and the size and handle to draw separation to get his shot off.

• Malik Hall: Malik Hall was Michigan State’s most consistent contributor, as he has nice skill and touch for a 6’10” forward. He may not be a draft guy, but he could eventually be a good “exhibit 10” player that develops in a team’s G League.

• Tyson Walker: Tyson Walker will generate the most pop on a night-to-night basis. He’s the prototypical “small guard bucket-getter” that’s endearing in college basketball. His pro outlook is TBD, but he’s at least a fun player to watch.

• Jared McCain: It was a quiet night for Duke’s highly-touted freshman, as he finished scoreless on 5 shot attempts. He didn’t generate any assists either. How he bounces back from this is worth monitoring, given his feel and shooting touch at a young age.