The Summer of Flip is in full swing, as dynamic 6’10” Kyle Filipowski has risen up recruiting rankings, flashed dominance on the AAU circuit, and has embarked on a whirlwind of official visits to major programs. The visits began two weeks ago in Syracuse, and apparently it went well. Not only did we see Filipowski don the Orange in an awesome photo shoot, the visit overall went well.
His high school coach, Mike Mannix, sat down with The Fizz this week and said Filipowski had a positive visit and got to hang out with members of the team.
“He definitely enjoyed his time there. I know that he he appreciates the relationship he’s developed with Gerry McNamara and Coach Boeheim. I know he definitely enjoyed himself. A good first visit for him. He made sure to let me know he liked his time hanging out with some of the guys on the team. So that was a good experience for him.” – Mike Mannix to the Fizz
Mannix says he and Filipowski text at nights during the visits, and then speak after his visits, and Kyle was very complimentary after the trip to Syracuse. “We do keep in touch during visits,” Mannix says. “Mostly after the visits. He had a good time at Syracuse. Enjoyed his visit.”
Filipowski does everything well, so as a big man it’s hard to find a player comp. He’s almost 7 feet tall, yet has the skillset of a shooting guard or small forward. So Mannix is hesitant to name any college or pros that his star may emulate. Instead Mannix believes Filipowski could be the mold one day.
One player that Mannix did name was Hall of Famer Kevin McHale, one of the greatest power forwards ever. Mannix was reminded of the Celtics legend because of Filipowski’s array of post moves.
It’s certainly a positive that the player teammates call “Flip” enjoyed spending time with members of the current Orange team. They are the best ones to get a true feel of the program from, and potentially the fellow players Kyle would be living, eating and breathing basketball with.
