3 Players Rockets fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament

2022 NBA Draft
2022 NBA Draft | Sarah Stier/GettyImages
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3. Kyle Filipowski

Kyle Filipowski had the opportunity to enter the NBA Draft after his freshman year at Duke, but ultimately dedicated to stay an extra year in college. This was a bit of a dice roll, as he led Duke in scoring and rebounding in his debut season (15.1 points and nine rebounds).

Filipowski has upped his draft stock, as a result of the decision, making Second-Team All-American, with averages of 17.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, 51.1 percent from the field, and even 35 percent from three (a drastic improvement over his 28.2 percent clip as a freshman).

The 7-foot center has drawn comparisons to former Rockets center Kelly Olynyk, in part because of his ability to space the floor and pass at the center position, which isn't quite a normal skillset for big men. With a good tournament showing, the Rockets could potentially explore a trade down, to acquire more picks and give them a chance to nab the Duke big man.

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