Kyle Jarred Filipowski was born November 7, 2003, in Middletown, New York. His family was built on basketball the way some families are built on farming — the language spoken at the dinner table, the reason the car was always pointed toward a gymnasium.
His mother, Rebecca Hagerdon Filipowski, was a 6-4 force at Warwick Valley High School who scored 2,164 career points and was a 1982 Parade All-American. She played at Long Beach State. Knee injuries ended her career; she became a coach and teacher. Her sister Beverly played at Dartmouth. Her brother Randall at Boston College. His father David played at Slippery Rock University. David and Rebecca met at Warwick Valley. Four sons: Daniel, Taylor, and twins Kyle and Matthew.
Rebecca was Kyle’s first coach. She taught fundamentals, drove to AAU tournaments, eventually left teaching to invest in her sons’ development. David retired early to attend games. The family organized around basketball like a military family around deployments.
Kyle and twin Matt were inseparable on the court, playing together at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Matt, also 6-11, committed to Harvard. Three high schools in five years: Minisink Valley (freshman), Fordham Prep (sophomore), Wilbraham & Monson (junior/senior). Each move elevated competition. In 99 prep games: 1,712 points, 973 rebounds. 2021 Gatorade Massachusetts POY. Naismith All-America first team. Also played baseball and water polo. Magna Cum Laude academic award. Won gold at the 2021 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup.
Committed to Duke July 29, 2021 — the first year of Jon Scheyer’s era. Filipowski would be the new coach’s first cornerstone.