Back in July, Matt Filipowski heard from Pitt assistant coach Tim O’Toole for the first time during his recruitment. Since then, the 2022 prospect has kept in touch with O’Toole, talking with him as recently as Feb. 28, the day the Panthers took on NC State.
“[He called] before the game, just letting me know they were playing,” Filipowski told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
Filipowski says that O’Toole contacts him about every week, telling him about the program and building a solid relationship. At 6-foot-11, 230 pounds, Filipowski has the size to compete at the center position at the next level, and is steadily improving his game as we speak.
“My best strengths are my low-post moves and footwork,” Filipowski added. “I’ve improved on perimeter defense and scoring.”
Talking to O’Toole every week, he says he has learned a lot about Pitt’s play style and how he would fit in.
“I like how they move quick on defense and help the helper,” he said. “On offense, they man and they use screens to get mismatches and move the ball quick.”
Filipowski, who attends Wilbraham and Monson Academy in Massachusetts, is originally from New York, the home state of O’Toole. While he is not currently ranked by any outlet, he holds offers from Pitt, Illinois, Cal Poly, Siena, Stony Brook, and Marist, and is receiving interest from other schools as well. He says he feels like Pitt, Illinois, and Columbia are prioritizing him the most out of any schools talking with him.
Matt’s brother, Kyle Filipowski, also has an offer from Pitt and is still being recruited by the school as often as Matt is. Pittsburgh Sports Now is planning to catch up with Kyle soon as well to update his recruitment and relationship with the Panthers staff.
While Pitt is looking to fill out spots on its 2021 roster, Filipowski is only a junior and is currently a part of the 2022 class. When asked whether or not he will consider reclassifying to 2021, he said, “I don’t believe so, but I am not certain.”
